A Poignant Triumph: More Than Just a Game
A Personal Victory: Amari Whiting's Emotional Game Against Her Former Team
With the final moments of the game winding down and triumph assured, Oklahoma State women's basketball coach Jacie Hoyt made a substitution. She waited for point guard Amari Whiting to step off the court, then enveloped her in a long, meaningful hug on the sidelines of Gallagher-Iba Arena. This heartfelt exchange came just before the Cowgirls sealed a 67-51 victory over BYU. Whiting delivered a phenomenal performance, securing her first double-double of the season with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocked shots. However, the embrace transcended mere statistics. The game carried immense emotional weight for Whiting, as her mother, Amber, had been BYU's head coach for three seasons before a mutual parting of ways last March, which led to Amari's transfer. This game was not about resentment or animosity but a profound affirmation that Amari had found her rightful place.
Coach's Empathy: Understanding the Depth of Whiting's Journey
Amari articulated, "It was never about BYU. It was simply a feeling of immense happiness. I knew this was God's plan." She added, "Sharing that hug at the end will be a cherished memory. It's an incredible feeling, all thanks to my sisterhood, my teammates, and Jacie Hoyt." Coach Hoyt, herself the daughter of a coach who faced an unceremonious end to her tenure, deeply understood the emotions Amari carried into the game. Hoyt reflected, "This game meant a great deal to me because I knew how much it meant to her." She acknowledged the deep impact such professional transitions can have on families, transforming livelihoods. "I'm aware of how Amari's and her family's lives were affected by last year's events. That carries significant emotional weight, so I understood the profound meaning of this game for her."
Dominant Performance: Whiting's Crucial Role on the Court
Throughout the game, Whiting often found herself guarding former teammate Delaney Gibb, BYU’s leading scorer, a player she had known since childhood. Gibb was limited to just 11 points, shooting 4 of 18 from the floor, with four of her shots being blocked—a testament to Whiting's defensive efforts. Whiting played over 37 minutes, demonstrating her endurance and impact, scoring 5 of 12 from the floor, including three 3-pointers. Coach Hoyt emphasized, "I wanted this game to go well because I knew this is exactly where Amari belongs. Tonight's game was merely an affirmation of that."
Micah Gray's Explosive Offensive Display
Micah Gray, a senior guard for the OSU Cowgirls, showcased her renowned hot streaks, leaving BYU's defense reeling. Gray sparked a dramatic 22-3 run in the second quarter, allowing the Cowgirls (17-5, 6-3 Big 12) to seize definitive control of the game. After a challenging shooting performance in their previous loss to Colorado, Gray hit her first 3-pointer and finished with seven in total, matching her season-high of 25 points. Her first-half performance was electrifying, making 6 of her first 7 attempts from beyond the arc and tallying 20 points by halftime. She concluded the game with 7 of 14 from deep, her best 3-point showing this season and second only to the 10 she hit against Chicago State last year. Whiting humorously commented on Gray’s ability to ignite, saying, "Absolutely, every time. One time I saw her in the corner and I just threw it up to her. I was like, go get it, girl."
The Pivotal Second Quarter: A Game-Changing Momentum Shift
At the end of the first quarter, with 0.2 seconds remaining, OSU's Achol Akot stepped to the free-throw line, with the Cowgirls trailing BYU 25-17. Akot sank both free throws, initiating a monumental 22-3 run that ultimately decided the game's outcome. OSU dominated the second quarter, outscoring BYU 20-3, fueled by four 3-pointers and 14 points from Gray. Whiting and Heard also contributed with a 3-pointer each, with 3-pointers accounting for 18 of the 20 points in that period. Heard, bouncing back from a tough game against Colorado, delivered 12 points on 4 of 8 shooting, along with seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Akot’s performance on the boards was particularly impressive, ending the night with 14 rebounds, complementing her six points and six assists. Coach Hoyt praised Akot, stating, "She's simply incredible. Her athleticism and motor are a joy to witness. She enables us to play our desired fast-paced, transition game. For us, everything begins with a rebound, on both ends of the court. She was a rebounding machine tonight, as she has been for us consistently."
Climbing the Ranks: Cowgirls' Strong Position in Big 12
Despite national rankings hinting at a clear hierarchy within the Big 12, the actual standings currently show a tighter race. The Cowgirls concluded Wednesday tied for fifth place with Utah, just half a game behind Texas Tech and West Virginia, who share third place. Iowa State, 1.5 games behind OSU, has regained momentum with three consecutive wins after a five-game losing streak, bringing their league record to 5-5. Another upcoming opponent for OSU, Arizona State, is also a contender at 4-4. Coach Hoyt expressed optimism, stating, "I appreciate our current trajectory. While last year was a great year with extreme highs and lows, this season has been a steady upward climb." She added, "We've had a few missteps, but we always recover strongly. I like the path we're on and the momentum we're building as we head into February. We've all seen our capabilities, but we also know we haven't reached our full potential yet."