By Jonathon Zenk, Northwestern State Assistant Director of Communications; featured photo by Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services
STILLWATER, Okla.—KP Parr and Karma Wynn combined for 29 points, but Northwestern State could not overcome hot shooting from No. 22 Oklahoma State in a 94-56 Cowgirls win Monday afternoon at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
After holding its first two opponents under 40 percent shooting, NSU (1-2) could not hold down a strong shooting performance from OSU (3-0), as it shot 56.4 percent from the field and 12-of-25 from 3-point range.
In the first quarter, the NSU defense held OSU to just 35.3 percent from the field and 2-of-9 from deep, but the Cowgirls in the final three quarters shot 65.8 percent from the field and 10-of-16 from behind the 3-point line.
“KP and Karma showed tremendous grit tonight, combining for 29 points and proving our backcourt can produce against high-level length and pressure,” head coach Alan Frey said. “Offensively, we did some really positive things that we can build on, especially considering Oklahoma State features several genuine WNBA prospects on their roster.
“However, giving up 94 points is nowhere near our defensive standard. They exposed our rotations and beat us on straight-line drives. We will take this film, coach up the defensive lapses, and ensure we lock down the details required to compete at a championship level as we move forward.”
Liv McGill scored 23 points, including making three triples. She was one of four Cowgirls to reach double figures.
Even though All-American Audi Crooks scored in double figures, she was held to 13 points with seven of her points coming from the free throw line.
As a team, the Cowgirls made 20-of-29 from the free throw line.
The Demons could not take advantage of the cold shooting first quarter from OSU, as NSU made just three shots in 16 attempts
After scoring a career-high 20 points last game at Arkansas, Parr poured in 18 more points to lead NSU.
Parr, a junior from Waco, Texas, was held scoreless in the first quarter before scoring 11 in the second quarter, including three 3-pointers.
Two straight triples from Parr and layup from Karma Wynn cut a double digit deficit to just 24-18.
After NSU cut it to 28-21 on a triple from Parr, the Cowgirls ended the half on a 16-2 run to go up 44-23 lead at recess.
Chiara Pavitsits scored her first career basket, and Erica Carr recorded her first career 3-point make late in the game.
Next up for NSU is a trip to in-state rival Louisiana Tech on Thursday evening before coming back home for a matchup with LSU-Shreveport on Monday.