Natasha Mack Named Naismith Defensive Semifinalist

February 23, 2021 | Cowgirl Basketball

ATLANTA – Oklahoma State's Natasha Mack was one of 10 players named as a semifinalist for the 2021 Naismith Women's Defensive Player of the Year it was announced today by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.

Mack has anchored an Oklahoma State defense which ranks first nationally in blocked shots with 164 and is second in blocks per game at 7.1. The Cowgirls are also 34th nationally in field-goal percentage defense at 36.3 percent.

Individually, Mack leads the country with her 96 blocks, which are currently tied with her total from a year ago for the most in a single season by a Cowgirl. The Lufkin, Texas native also leads the country in blocks per game at 4.2. Mack's 47 steals rank 32nd in the country as well.

Her blocked shot total is more than all but 20 teams in the country and she ranks ninth among career active leaders with her 192 career blocks. The eight players ranked ahead of her all have at least 42 more games to their credit.