Skylar Vann, No. 23 Oklahoma hang on to beat Cincinnati

Field Level Media|published: Tue 20th February, 20:56 2024

Oklahoma head coach Jennie Baranczyk stands on the sidelines in the first quarter during an NCAA basketball game between University of Oklahoma (OU) and Baylor University, in Norman Okla., on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. credits: NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Skylar Vann poured in 22 points as No. 23 Oklahoma picked up a 95-87 victory over host Cincinnati on Tuesday night in Big 12 Conference play.

Vann canned 9 of 14 shots from the field and also recorded five rebounds, six assists and three blocks as the Sooners (19-7, 13-2 Big 12) won for the 10th time in their past 11 games. Lexy Keys and Sahara Williams each supplied 17 points for Oklahoma.

Jillian Hayes posted 20 points, seven boards and five assists, but the Bearcats (12-14, 4-11) dropped their fourth straight game. Malea Williams and A'riel Jackson finished with 18 points apiece, with Malea Williams also grabbing eight rebounds.

The Sooners scored the first seven points of the game and maintained the lead until Cincinnati's Brianna Byars drilled a jumper with 6:57 left in the second quarter to make it 26-26. But Oklahoma never let Cincinnati jump in front, eventually going on to take a 44-37 edge into the break.

A 20-7 run to open the third quarter by Oklahoma blew the game open, giving the Sooners a commanding 64-44 cushion.

Jackson sank a pair of free throws with 22 seconds left in the game to cap a 13-0 outburst by the Bearcats that pulled them within 93-87, but it was a rally that came too late, and Oklahoma held on.

—Field Level Media