Cowgirls Defense Comes Through in Opener

Oklahoma State Beat Texas Southern 68-30 to start the season.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:02 pm

By: News On 6

Cowgirls Defense Comes Through in Opener

Originally Published: Nov 13, 2010 5:33 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma – Coach Kurt Budke said his team’s opener was not pretty, but a win is a win.

The Cowgirls started their 2010-11 season with a scrappy 68-30 victory over Texas Southern on Saturday at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

"We are learning as we go,” Budke said. “And what we learned tonight is that if we don't shoot well, as long as we play defense and rebound well we can win."

Sophomore Toni Young led the Cowgirls with 16 points and 13 boards, leading all scorers and rebounders in the game.

OSU started off roughly on offense, hitting just three of its first 15 shots. But it also held Texas Southern (0-1) to just 14 points in the first half and led by 16 at the break.

If Oklahoma State’s first half defensive effort was impressive, the second half was even better. OSU held TSU to 6-of-34 shooting in the second half.

Freshman Vicky McIntyre added 12 points and senior Precious Robinson had eight points and six rebounds.

"I got to look at a lot of different combinations tonight and there were three, four or five times where I pulled someone off the bench and they'd hit a three, get a rebound and bring us some energy,” Budke said.

OSU (1-0) will host Grambling St. at 7 p.m. Thursday as part of a four-game homestand to open the season.