Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Basketball Falls To Wichita State, 63-57
December 30, 2005 | Cowgirl Basketball
Playing in just their second true road game of the season, the Cowgirls (5-5) relied heavily on their two freshmen Taylor Hardeman and Shaunte' Smith in the first half. The duo combined to score 16 of the squad's points in the stanza on a 5-of-8 effort from the floor. The rest of the squad converted just seven of its 22 shot attempts, including leading scorer Whitney Pegram, who was held without a field goal until the 2:38 mark.
OSU was able to maintain a lead for most of the half after holding the Shockers (6-2) to a 36 percent shooting effort and forcing them into 10 turnovers on the way to a 31-25 lead at the break.
The two teams battled neck and neck throughout the second half, tying the score on three occasions and exchanging the lead three times over the final 20 minutes.
However, the Cowgirls had trouble getting on track offensively with Pegram on the bench after being saddled with foul trouble. She was held to eight points on the evening, marking the first time she did not reach double figures in the scoring column in seven games.
With a game-high 17 points, Smith carried the load offensively and kept OSU close with five of the squad's final eight points. However, the Cowgirls were held scoreless over the final 2:10 of the game after drawing within three at 60-57.
Hardeman was the only other player in double figures with 11 points, while junior Brisa Silva tied her career high with 10 assists.
OSU was marred by poor free throw shooting during the game, converting just seven of its 19 attempts from the line.
The Cowgirls will close out their non-conference schedule on Dec. 29 when they return home to face Prairie View A&M at 7 p.m.
