Payton Verhulst's remarkable performance led the No. 11 OU women's basketball team to a thrilling 78 - 72 victory over No. 22 Louisville on Wednesday. Her 11 points in the fourth quarter were crucial as the Sooners clawed their way back from a 17 - point deficit.

"Verhulst's Heroics Lift OU to Comeback Win"

Verhulst's Fourth - Quarter Heroics

Payton Verhulst truly shined in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of her 21 points. Her ability to hit crucial free throws and 3 - pointers was instrumental in the Sooners' comeback. She grabbed an offensive rebound with 2:21 remaining, fouled Cochran, and hit the two free throws to give the Sooners the lead for the first time since the first quarter. Her determination and skill on the court were on full display. 2: Verhulst's transfer from Louisville to Norman mid - season added an extra layer of excitement to the game. Her familiarity with the Louisville team and the arena made her performance even more remarkable. She showed no signs of hesitation as she took on her former team and led the Sooners to victory.

The Second - Half Comeback

The Sooners faced a tough challenge in the first half, trailing by as many as 17 points. However, they showed incredible resilience in the second half. They cut the deficit to just 15 late in the third quarter and then launched a 17 - 4 run to secure the win. This comeback was a testament to their team spirit and ability to fight back in difficult situations. 2: Sahar a Williams also played a significant role in the comeback, adding 15 points, eight of which came in the fourth quarter. Her offensive prowess and ability to handle pressure were key in keeping the Sooners in the game.

Turnovers and Rebounds

OU turned the ball over a season - high 27 times, but they managed to limit their turnovers in the second half and fourth quarter. This allowed them to maintain possession and mount their comeback. Additionally, Raegan Beers had 11 points and 11 rebounds, providing a strong presence on the boards. 2: The team's ability to control the tempo and make smart decisions with the ball was evident in the second half. They capitalized on Louisville's mistakes and turned them into scoring opportunities.

Louisville's Early Lead

Louisville started pulling away late in the first quarter, reeling off the last eight points to take a lead. They continued to dominate in the second quarter, going on a 16 - 4 run to lead 41 - 24. However, the Sooners showed their fighting spirit and scored the final five points of the half to trim the deficit. 2: The first half was a battle between two strong teams, with Louisville taking the early lead but the Sooners not giving up easily.The Oklahoma vs Louisville game was the last of a five - game road trip for the Sooners. They return home to face Alabama State at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Lloyd Noble Center.OU's women's basketball schedule for 2024 is filled with exciting matchups. From early season wins to tough battles against top teams, the Sooners are set to have a successful season.