Three Takeaways From No. 6 Oklahoma's Win Over Kansas City

 It wasn’t always pretty, but the sixth-ranked Oklahoma women’s basketball team bounced back from their first loss of the season, beating Kansas City 89-61 at Lloyd Noble Center on Wednesday.

The Sooners trailed early in the second quarter, struggling to avoid turnovers, before finishing the quarter on a 23-7 run to take control.

Jennie Baranczyk’s team turned the ball over eight times in an uneven first quarter, helping the Roos stay in the game despite OU’s 8-of-11 shooting start.

The Sooners were coming off a 73-59 Monday loss to No. 3 UCLA in Sacramento, California.

Aaliyah Chavez scored 29 points to lead OU, while Payton Verhulst added 13, Sahara Williams 12 and Brooklyn Stewart 11.

The Sooners shot 545.4% from the field and were 10 of 19 from beyond the arc.

Elauni Bennett led Kansas City (1-2) with 19 points, 12 in the first quarter.

The Sooners (2-1) return to action against North Alabama at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the annual field trip game at Lloyd Noble Center.

Here are three quick takeaways from the Sooners’ win over the Roos:

Read More Oklahoma Women's Basketball

• Three Takeaways from Oklahoma's Loss to UCLA
• No. 6 Oklahoma Ready for Major 'Test' Against 'Experienced' No. 3 UCLA
• Oklahoma Needs Freshman Aaliyah Chavez to 'Just Go Play' Against No. 3 UCLA
• Oklahoma's Jennie Baranczyk Continues to Raise Expectations for Sooners

Aaliyah Chavez Starts off Hot, Keeps Rolling

Monday’s loss was a learning experience for Chavez, who was 4 for 16 from the field against the Bruins.

But the freshman phenom wasted no time getting going against the overmatched Roos.

Chavez hit a 3-pointer in the game’s opening seconds and hit her first three shots as the Sooners hit 8 of 9 from the field over the first five minutes.

Chavez finished 9 of 13 from the floor with seven 3-pointers and four assists.

Turnovers Bite Sooners

Turnovers have been a steady problem for Oklahoma during Baranczyk’s tenure, though part of that is attributable to her free-flowing style that can lead to giveaways while creating much more positives on the offensive end on balance.

But the low turnover numbers were one of the bright spots in Monday’s loss, as OU turned the ball over just nine times — their lowest total since the 2023-24 season.

The issue came back after a hot start by the Sooners, though, as they had eight first-quarter turnovers and ultimately finished with 15 — leading to 18 Roos’ points.

Homecoming for Former Sooners Standout Dionnah Jackson-Durrett

Kansas City is coached by former OU standout Dionnah Jackson-Durrett.

From 2001-05, Jackson played 131 games for the Sooners, averaging 11.4 points, 6/3 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

Legendary former Sooners coach Sherri Coale watched the first half from the baseline.

Jackson-Durrett is in her fourth season coaching the Roos.

She took over the program after Jacie Hoyt left to take over at Oklahoma State.

The Roos entered this season 33-64 under Jackson-Durrett.

She began her coaching career at Southeast Missouri State in 2010 before stints at George Mason, Mississippi State and Texas.