SHAWNEE - Despite career-highs in points from
Andreja Peciuraite and
Kayla Highfill, the Oklahoma Baptist women's basketball team could not overcome 26 turnovers as they fell to the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs by the score of 88-64 inside the Noble Complex on Thursday evening.
The Bison struggled from the field, shooting 21 of 59 (36%) overall and 5 of 19 (26%) from deep. On the other end, SWOSU shot 32 of 73 (44%) from the field and 15 of 40 (38%) from deep while holding a commanding 32-9 advantage in points off turnovers.
OBU got off to a quick start early in the game, taking a 5-2 lead off five straight points from Peciuraite.
Melissa Southard added a jumper to make it 7-3 three minutes into the contest.
SWOSU closed the quarter on a 17-1 run to take command early on at 20-8. The run increased to 20-1 early in the second quarter as the Bulldogs led 23-8. The Bison responded with a 7-0 run behind a jumper from
Kaylee Hurst and five straight points from
Kayla Highfill to cut it to eight.
However, SWOSU used another big run, this time a 14-3 advantage, to move ahead by 19 and close the half with a 42-26 advantage.
The Bulldogs were just too hot in the second half as their lead ballooned to as many as 24. OBU fought back as
Kalifa Ford got back into the mix in her return game and helped close the gap to 17 at the end of three.
The Bison emptied their bench in the fourth quarter for valuable minutes as they battled the starters from SWOSU; however, it was not enough as the Bulldogs pulled away for the 88-64 victory.
Peciuraite was terrific with a career-high 21 points including six boards, while Highfill added 11 points off the bench and two blocks. Ford scored 10 in her return, while
Kaylee Hurst added seven points and three assists.
Jaylin Stapleton had six points, five boards, five assists, and two steals.
For the Lady Bulldogs, Makyra Tramble scored 23 points points to go with nine rebounds, six assists, and nine steals while Karly Gore added 19 points and five assists. Macy Gore scored 13 points, while Bethany Franks had six points, 14 boards, and three steals.
OBU will return to action on Saturday as they battle East Central in Ada. Tip-off has been changed to 3 p.m. and will be broadcast on the Bison Radio Network.
