Five in double digits leads Arkansas past Oklahoma State

FAYETTEVILLE – Led by Kristin Moore’s 16 points, the University of Arkansas Lady Razorback basketball team used a strong second half to outlast the Oklahoma State Cowgirls at Bud Walton Arena on Sunday afternoon, 75-55. The win improves the Lady Razorbacks to 11-2 on the year and completes their non-conference schedule with a perfect 5-0 mark at Bud Walton Arena. Oklahoma State falls to 5-6 on the year. A 12-6 run over the first eight minutes of the second period allowed Arkansas to take a nine-point lead by the second media timeout. Using solid defense and rebounding, the Lady’Backs were able to hold the Cowgirls to just two of eight from the floor during the run. Arkansas’ lead quickly grew to 14 after the break as a Shameka Christon three followed by a layup by Katrina Nesby increased the Lady Razorback advantage. With momentum, the Lady Razorbacks put the peddle to the floor as they continued to take the ball away from the Cowgirls, forcing 22 turnovers throughout the contest which led to 18 points. "Our defense was key as well as our ability to spread the ball around," Arkansas head coach Susie Gardner said. "I think that we were able to execute in the second half. We didn’t stop Trisha Skibbe, but for the most part we were able to disrupt their sets." "Arkansas did a great job of raising their intensity in the second half," Oklahoma State head coach Julie Goodenough. "I think that in the second half fatigue set in for us, especially in the final 12 minutes. This is our third game in five days." The second half ended with Arkansas outscoring its opponent 41-24 and while the Lady Razorbacks shot a modest 44 percent from the floor, the Cowgirls hit an abysmal 30 percent. One of the telltale signs of the battle was Arkansas ability to control the paint. Lady Razorback post players hit 38 of 54 points from inside the paint as four of the Lady’Backs five double-digit scorers played down low. A see-saw battle throughout the first half, there were 10 lead changes and four ties in the opening period. Arkansas managed to lead by as many as eight in waning moments of the half, but a resilient Oklahoma State squad quickly went on a 9-0 run over two-and-a-half minute stretch to take a one point lead late. The Lady Razorbacks closed the half with four points to the Cowgirls one to go into the locker room with a 34-31 lead. The opening half saw Skibbe knock down 15 points and grab 10 rebounds to earn a double-double in just 20 minutes of play. For the game, she led all scorers with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Behind Moore’s 16, Arkansas picked up 15 from Vaden, 13 from Christon, 12 from Rochelle Vaughn and 10 from Katrina Nesby. The Lady Razorbacks are back in action on Thursday, January 8, when they travel to Knoxville, Tenn., to open Southeastern Conference play against the University of Tennessee.