Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State University
Western Illinois
Cowgirls Defeat Western Illinois, 68-55
December 29, 2009 | Cowgirl Basketball
Dec. 29, 2009
STILLWATER, Okla. - Oklahoma State's women's basketball team ran its winning streak to six games on Tuesday afternoon with a 68-55 win over Western Illinois in front of 2,221 fans inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Despite shooting 47 percent in the first half, the Cowgirls (10-2) led just 39-30 at the break as the Leathernecks (4-9) hung tough with a higher free throw and rebound count than OSU.
For the game, Western Illinois won the rebounding battle, 44-29.
The Cowgirls used an 11-0 run to extend their lead to 18 at the 13:36 mark of the second half, but WIU answered with a 7-0 run over the next two minutes to get back into the contest. After the Cowgirls pushed the margin back to 56-39, the Leathernecks reeled off eight-straight points to get within single digits with 5:43 on the clock.
OSU senior Andrea Riley hit back-to-back jumpers to halt the rally. The Dallas, Texas native scored eight of the squad's final 12 points to hold off WIU. Riley finished with a game-high 22 points, including 18 in the second half, to go with six assists and five steals.
Seniors Tegan Cunningham and Megan Byford were also in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Junior Lakyn Garrison added 10 points of her own, while junior Precious Robinson grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.
Ashley Lord paced the Leathernecks with 15 points and 11 rebounds on the night.
OSU will continue its seven-game homestand on Jan. 2 when its hosts Texas-Pan American at 11 a.m.
