Oklahoma State Defeats Princeton in First Round of Women’s NCAA Tournament

Oklahoma State defeated Princeton 82-68 in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. The victory marks the first March Madness win for Oklahoma State coach Jacie Hoyt in her fourth season.

Game Summary

The eighth-seeded Oklahoma State Cowgirls (24-9) overcame a challenge from the ninth-seeded Princeton Tigers (26-4), who closed the gap to within four points in the third quarter and five points early in the fourth. However, Oklahoma State responded with a strong finish, outscoring Princeton 21-15 in the final quarter, including a decisive 9-0 run to secure the win.

Key Performances

Achol Akot led Oklahoma State with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Jaydyn Wooten contributed 18 points and 10 assists, while Micah Gray added 16 points. For Princeton, Madison St. Rose led the scoring with 17 points, followed by Skye Belker and Ashley Chea with 14 points each. Chea and Belker combined to craft seven of the Tigers’ eight 3-pointers.

Statistical Highlights

• Oklahoma State: 52% field goal percentage (32-61), 47% three-point percentage (9-19), 82% free throw percentage (9-11), 35 rebounds, 13 turnovers.
• Princeton: 43% field goal percentage (26-61), 47% three-point percentage (8-17), 89% free throw percentage (8-9), 25 rebounds, 10 turnovers.

Previous Tournament History

Oklahoma State had lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in its previous two appearances. This win marks their first trip to the second round since 2021. Princeton, despite the loss, remains with just three March Madness wins in program history, the last coming in 2022.

Looking Ahead

Oklahoma State advances to the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, while Princeton’s season concludes.

Sources:

1. https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-st-princeton-score-e9ce578abf8e52ba2b448d98dd31327c
2. https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856515/princeton-oklahoma-st
3. https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/princeton-womens-ncaa-tournement-oklahoma-state/
4. https://www.ncaa.com/video/basketball-women/2026-03-21/oklahoma-st-cowgirls-vs-princeton-tigers-condensed-game-202621726