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The University of Oklahoma women's basketball team has advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament after a decisive 96-62 victory over Iowa on Monday in Norman. Skylar Vann led the Sooners with 17 points, while Payton Verhulst added 16 points to secure the win. Raegan Beers contributed with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks, helping Oklahoma dominate the boards with a 64-33 rebounding advantage.
Oklahoma, the No. 3 seed, overcame early shooting struggles to take control of the game. They finished strong, making nine of 17 three-pointers in the second half after hitting only two of 17 in the first half. Vann's performance was particularly notable in the third quarter, where she scored 12 of her 17 points, helping the Sooners extend their lead to 68-43 by the end of the quarter. Eleven players scored for Oklahoma, showcasing their depth and teamwork.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Oklahoma coach Jennie Baranczyk, who advanced past the second round for the first time in her four-year tenure with the Sooners. Baranczyk, who played for Iowa, expressed pride in her team's performance and acknowledged the emotions involved in facing her alma mater. "Today’s a big moment," Baranczyk said. "There’s a lot of emotions in the game. I was really proud of the steadiness that we had."
Oklahoma will face UConn in the Sweet 16 on Saturday in Spokane, Washington.