STILLWATER, Okla. — No. 24 West Virginia couldn’t overcome its worst half of the season and fell 63-51 to No. 20 Oklahoma State on Saturday at the Gallagher-Iba Arena.
“They were more physical and got to the ball,” WVU coach Mike Carey said. “In the first half, we didn’t compete. In the second half, we competed a little bit more. Give Oklahoma State all of the credit. They competed and were physical. We weren’t and because of that, that’s what happened.”
Kaylee Jensen led the Cowgirls with 18 points, while guard Brittney Martin grabbed 17 rebounds for Oklahoma State (19-5, 9-4 Big 12), which led 19-8 after one quarter and 32-14 at halftime.
Tynice Martin scored 13 to lead the Mountaineers (19-7, 8-5), who climbed within nine points in the final minute before seeing their three-game win streak snapped.
Bria Holmes committed six turnovers and was held to nine points, ending her string of double-figure games at 24. Lanay Montgomery finished with nine points, nine rebounds, two blocks and two steals, and Arielle Roberson grabbed a team-leading 11 rebounds.
The Mountaineers, committed 21 turnovers, shot 32 percent overall and just 15 percent (3-of-20) from 3-point range. They were limited to a season-low 51 points.
Oklahoma State shot only 36 percent but outscored the Mountaineers 34-18 in the paint.
West Virginia returns to action on Wednesday in a 7 p.m. tilt at the WVU Coliseum vs. No. 21 Oklahoma.