Oklahoma State University Athletics
Texas Holds On To Defeat Cowgirls, 61-56
February 19, 2006 | Cowgirl Basketball
Despite shooting 27 percent from the floor, the Cowgirls (6-18 overall, 0-13 Big 12) were able to stay in the game by forcing the Longhorns (13-11, 7-6) into 23 turnovers that kept their offense in check much of the day.
OSU connected on seven of its 30 field goal attempts in the first half, but trailed by just six, 31-25, after freshman Taylor Hardeman drilled a 3-pointer to close out the period.
The Cowgirl post players battled foul trouble throughout the contest as well, giving Texas an advantage down low that produced a 22-10 scoring advantage in the paint. Junior Christian Hood fouled out with 13:06 remaining in the game, while Whitney Pegram finished the day with four fouls. However, OSU battled with a smaller lineup on the floor and was able to grab the lead on three different occasions in the second half.
With 12:49 remaining, junior Brisa Silva made a layup and followed with a 3-pointer on the Cowgirls' next possession to stake them to a 44-41 lead before Erika Arriaran knotted the score on UT's next trip down the floor with a trey of her own.
OSU took its final lead on a layup by Whitney Pegram with 2:46 left in the game. Tiffany Jackson came up big down the stretch for the Longhorns, reeling off the next four points and sealing the win with a pair of free throws with 22 seconds remaining.
Arriaran led all scorers with 16 points, including four 3-pointers, while Cowgirl freshman Shaunte' Smith and Silva each scored 13 points on the day.
OSU will return to action on Tuesday when it travels to Lincoln, Neb., to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers at 7 p.m.
