Women's basketball: Sooners face tough test when No. 1 Baylor comes to Norman

Astrud Reed, The Oklahoma Daily

Freshman guard DeShawn Harden defends against the interior pass during the 54-82 win against Texas Christian University on December 28, 2011.

The OU women’s basketball team faces a tough test when senior center Brittney Griner and the No. 1 Baylor Bears visit Norman at 6 p.m. Monday at Lloyd Noble Center.

The Sooners (19-8, 9-6 Big 12) are coming off a disappointing performance against Oklahoma State in game two of the Bedlam series. However, the Sooners are looking to redeem themselves against a physical Baylor team that has yet to lose a conference game this season.

In the last meeting on Jan. 26, the Sooners traveled to Waco and found themselves biting off a little more than they could chew. The Sooners struggled offensively and failed to contain the Bears defensively. Even though the Sooners held Griner to just 15 points, she still recorded eight blocks in the game and made her physical presence known before fouling out late in the second half.

The Sooners will be relying on their leading scorer, junior guard Aaryn Ellenberg, who struggled to find her rhythm offensively in the last couple of games, but looks to be back in top form after scoring 22 points in the loss to the Cowboys. Despite the loss to the Bears in the first meeting, Ellenberg managed to score 33 points against an air tight Baylor defense.

Senior Forward Joanna McFarland has been a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. She’s currently averaging 10.8 points and 11.5 rebounds since becoming a full time starter. She’s also recorded four double-doubles in the last six games and is currently leading the Big 12 with nine double-doubles in conference play.

Junior center Nicole Griffin also will add much-needed support in the post along with McFarland. Griffin has been sensational in the post, and held her own against Griner in their last meeting. The combination of McFarland and Griffin will be key if they want to win the physical battle down low against Griner.

Junior guard Morgan Hook has been playing efficient basketball as well, she has a positive assist-to-turnover ratio in 18 straight games. She will play a vital role in jump starting the Sooners offensive attack which needs to get going early if they want to maintain momentum against the Bears.

Demetrius Kearney

Demetrius is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Sports Reporter.