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OU women's basketball advances to Sweet 16 with win over Michigan State
The Sooners will face a tougher test against the Spartans, but their high-powered offense and rebounding prowess should lead them to victory.
Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:50pm
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The fourth-seeded Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team defeated the fifth-seeded Michigan State Spartans 82-73 on Sunday night at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The Sooners, led by their high-scoring offense and dominant rebounding, overcame a tough challenge from the Spartans to secure the victory.
Why it matters
The Sooners' win over Michigan State marks their return to the Sweet 16 after last season's disappointing loss to UConn. This tournament run is crucial for the program's continued growth and momentum, as they look to make a deep push in the NCAA Tournament.
The details
Oklahoma jumped out to an early lead, taking advantage of their fast-paced offense and ability to control the boards. The Spartans, led by VanSlooten and Kennedy Blair, made a strong push in the second half, but the Sooners' experience and depth proved to be too much. OU's third-ranked scoring offense and second-ranked rebounding team were the difference-makers, as they were able to withstand the Spartans' late rally.
- The game was played on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
- Oklahoma defeated Idaho 89-59 in the NCAA Tournament opener on Friday, March 20, 2026.
- Michigan State defeated Colorado State 65-62 in their NCAA Tournament opener on Friday, March 20, 2026.
The players
Jennie Baranczyk
The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team.
VanSlooten
A key player for the Michigan State Spartans women's basketball team.
Kennedy Blair
A standout player for the Michigan State Spartans women's basketball team.
What’s next
The Sooners will face the winner of the matchup between the top-seeded Stanford Cardinal and the eighth-seeded Kansas State Wildcats in the Sweet 16 in Sacramento, California.
The takeaway
Oklahoma's high-powered offense and dominant rebounding were the keys to their victory over Michigan State, as the Sooners proved they have the talent and experience to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. This win sets the stage for an exciting Sweet 16 matchup as the Sooners continue their quest for a national championship.
