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TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona showed flashes of resilience but couldn’t overcome a dominant second-quarter surge as Oklahoma State pulled away for an 88-69 win Sunday afternoon at McKale Center.
The Wildcats (10-11, 1-9 Big 12) kept things close early, trailing just 21-18 after the first quarter and briefly taking a five-point lead midway through the opening period. Arizona’s defensive pressure and activity in the paint helped keep pace early, but the Cowgirls seized control in the second quarter with a 12-0 run that swung momentum for good. Oklahoma State outscored Arizona 25-12 in the frame, taking a 46-30 lead into halftime.
Arizona responded coming out of the break, trimming the deficit with a more aggressive offensive approach in the third quarter. The Wildcats scored 19 points in the period and found success attacking inside, finishing with 38 points in the paint. However, Oklahoma State continued to answer, matching Arizona’s energy and pushing the lead back to double digits behind efficient shooting and strong rebounding…