OKLAHOMA CITY --- The Flying Queens battled to the final buzzer but came up just short in a hard-fought 68–65 overtime loss to Oklahoma City on Thursday night at Abe Lemons Arena.
After a slow start in the opening quarter, the Queens showed resilience and composure, settling into the game and responding with a strong second period. Wayland outscored Oklahoma City 20–10 in the second quarter, sparked by timely three-pointers and aggressive play in the paint, trimming the deficit and keeping the contest within reach at halftime.
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Zalika Stevens led the charge for Wayland Baptist, posting a dominant performance with 23 points and 15 rebounds in 36 minutes of action. Stevens was relentless around the rim and at the free-throw line, where she converted 11 of 16 attempts, consistently putting pressure on the Stars' defense. Her interior presence helped the Queens control the glass and generate second-chance opportunities throughout the night.
Brooklyn Birkenfeld provided a strong all-around effort, finishing with 11 points and eight rebounds while adding key defensive plays.
Jadyn Trusler added nine points, including three three-pointers, and worked tirelessly on both ends of the floor.
Iliana Hernandez and
Cania Mitchell each contributed eight points, with Mitchell also recording six assists to help direct the offense.
Wayland carried momentum into the third quarter and briefly took the lead early in the half behind inside baskets from Stevens and steady team defense. Oklahoma City responded with a strong shooting stretch, however, and edged ahead heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter featured multiple lead changes and intense back-and-forth play. The Queens showed poise down the stretch, as Stevens and Mitchell knocked down crucial free throws to give Wayland a late advantage. With seconds remaining, Oklahoma City connected on a three-pointer to tie the game at 58 and force overtime.
In the extra period, Wayland struck first with a basket from Stevens and later received a clutch three-pointer from Trusler to regain the lead. Despite those efforts, the Stars capitalized at the free-throw line in the final moments, sealing the narrow victory.
Wayland Baptist finished the game with 44 rebounds and 20 second-chance points, highlighting the team's physicality and effort on the boards. The Queens also went 23-of-30 from the free-throw line, keeping them in contention throughout the contest.
The Queens will look to get back in the win column on Saturday, February 14
th, when they play their final SAC road game of the regular season against Southwestern Christian. The game will be played in Bethany, Oklahoma at 2:00 PM.
