Sooners Headed for Final Four

Oklahoma struggled to find their confidence and rhythm early in the first half, but fought back to beat Kentucky, 88-68.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:36 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Mar 30, 2010 9:13 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

KANSAS CITY, Missouri -- The Oklahoma Sooners battled back from a 13-point deficit early in the game to defeat the Kentucky Wildcats, 88-68.

The program made history with the win, outlasting the competition in the NCAA Tournament to see the Final Four for the second-consecutive year.

Amanda Thompson led the Sooners (27-10) in rebounds, snatching 14 total and scored17 points. Nyeshia Stevenson led the team with 31 points, while Danielle Robinson added 16, five rebounds and six assists before fouling out late in the game.

The Sooners’ hopes to advance were dimmed in the first 10 minutes, as the team slipped behind Kentucky (28-8) by double digits.

OU chipped away at UK’s lead, coming within two points with nine minutes left in the first half. OU then tied the game at 25 after Stevenson hit a fast break layup.

Kentucky’s Rebecca Grey turned the ball over on the next play, which was quickly grabbed by Robinson for a fastbreak layup. Grey’s error would cost the Wildcats their lead and confidence. Kentucky continued to trail Oklahoma for the remainder of the half, unable to maintain possession.

The Sooners led the Wildcats 43-39 at halftime and only built on their lead throughout the second half.

UK came within three points of OU two minutes into the second half, but the Sooners responded, playing the scrappy defense for which the Wildcats are known. The game was expected to showcase both teams’ tight defenses and quick transitions, but Kentucky never seemed to find their rhythm in the second half.

They went 0-12 from the three point range and only shot 23 percent, scoring 29 points to OU’s 45.

Kentucky’s Victoria Dunlap, named SEC Player of the Year, far exceeded her season’s average, scoring 31 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. A’dia Mathies ended with nine points and five rebounds, while Amber Smith scored nine on the night.

The Sooners will travel to San Antonio April 4 to face top-seeded Standford.