In a stunning overtime victory, the No. 16 Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball team upset the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks 94-82 on Thursday night, led by freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez’s 26-point performance, including 15 points in the extra period. This win marks a significant turnaround for Oklahoma, which had lost three consecutive games prior to this matchup, and hands South Carolina its first conference loss of the season.
The game was tightly contested in regulation, with South Carolina trailing 71-65 with just over four minutes left before mounting a comeback. Key plays from Tessa Johnson and Raven Johnson helped the Gamecocks tie the game, but a missed opportunity in the final seconds sent the contest into overtime. In the extra period, Chavez took over, scoring 15 points on perfect 5-of-5 shooting from the field, showcasing her clutch abilities and leading the Sooners to a decisive 12-point victory.
Oklahoma’s victory is particularly notable as it represents only the third win in program history against an Associated Press top-two opponent, with previous wins coming against No. 2 Kansas State in 2024 and No. 2 Texas in 2004. The Sooners had dropped from No. 5 to No. 16 in the rankings after losses to Ole Miss, Kentucky, and LSU, making this upset a crucial confidence booster for the team and its fans.
For South Carolina, the loss snaps a strong start to the season, with the Gamecocks now holding a 19-2 overall record and 5-1 in SEC play. Tessa Johnson led the team with 19 points, but standout guard Ta’Niya Latson was held to just six points on 1-of-10 shooting, highlighting Oklahoma’s effective defensive efforts. The Gamecocks struggled to contain Chavez and were outrebounded 54-39, contributing to their downfall.
After the game, Oklahoma coach Jennie Baranczyk emphasized the team’s resilience, telling her players, “We’re back to who we are,” after a challenging two-week stretch. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley acknowledged Oklahoma’s desire to win, stating, “We ran into a team that actually wanted to win more, and they made winning plays. And we didn’t.” These reactions underscore the emotional and strategic dimensions of the upset.
Statistically, Chavez not only scored 26 points but also dished out 8 assists, while senior center Raegan Beers contributed a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Junior forward Sahara Williams added 12 points and 10 rebounds, and senior guard Payton Verhulst chipped in 19 points. Oklahoma’s balanced attack and dominance on the boards were key factors in overcoming a top-ranked opponent.
Looking ahead, South Carolina must quickly regroup as they host the undefeated No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores on Sunday, a critical game for SEC standings. Oklahoma, now 15-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play, faces unranked Auburn and Texas A&M in their next outings before challenging matchups against Texas and Vanderbilt. This win could propel the Sooners back into the national conversation and reshape the SEC landscape.
The upset highlights the unpredictability of college basketball and the emergence of Aaliyah Chavez as a rising star. For Oklahoma, it’s a statement victory that reaffirms their potential, while South Carolina will use this loss as a learning opportunity as they pursue their championship goals. The game sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the season in women’s college basketball.
