Oklahoma State achieved a decisive victory over Princeton in the NCAA Tournament's opening round, largely propelled by Achol Akot's outstanding offensive and defensive contributions. Akot delivered a career-best performance, scoring 28 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, far exceeding her typical scoring output. This dominant showing, combined with strong support from her teammates, secured the Cowgirls' advancement to the next stage of the competition.
During the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament held in Los Angeles on March 21, 2026, the Oklahoma State Cowgirls, seeded eighth, faced off against the ninth-seeded Princeton Tigers. The game saw Oklahoma State establish an early lead, concluding the first half with a comfortable 48-33 advantage. Achol Akot, a forward for the Cowgirls, was the undeniable star of the match, showcasing remarkable efficiency by scoring 28 points on 12-for-15 shooting from the field. She also demonstrated her prowess on the boards, collecting a game-high 10 rebounds, which included 11 offensive rebounds for her team, contributing to Oklahoma State's overall 35-26 rebounding advantage.
Supporting Akot's stellar play, teammates Jaydn Wooten, coming off the bench, added 18 points, while Micah Gray contributed 16 points, and Haleigh Timmer chipped in with 10 points. Princeton, despite strong individual performances from Madison St. Rose (17 points), Ashley Chea (14 points), and Skye Belker (14 points), struggled to match Oklahoma State's inside presence. The Tigers managed to narrow the deficit to 61-53 by the close of the third quarter, and Belker's three-pointer initiated the scoring in the final quarter. However, Wooten quickly countered with two crucial baskets, sparking a decisive 9-0 run for Oklahoma State, which ultimately extended their lead to 72-58 and sealed their 82-68 victory. The Cowgirls' impressive 52.5% field goal percentage was a testament to their offensive efficiency.
With this impressive win, Oklahoma State, now holding a 24-9 season record, is set to face the winner of the California Baptist-UCLA game in the second round on Monday. The team's ability to perform under pressure and the standout individual contributions from key players like Akot highlight their potential to make a deeper run in the tournament.