Oklahoma falls 90-72 to West Virginia
Madi Williams
Pool photo / Ty Russell
NORMAN — Madi Williams wasn’t daunted by Oklahoma’s winless start in Big 12 Conference play.
Williams scored a career-high and program record 45 points, but the Sooners lost 90-72 to West Virginia on Sunday at Lloyd Noble Center.
Williams said she didn't know how many points she had until OU assistant coach Courtney Paris - who held the previous mark at 43 points - told her she was within two of the school record.
"Courtney was the one who told me to go for … 44," Williams said, "because the record was 43.
"I wasn’t really tying to think too much about it. I think if you think about it, you jinx yourself."
Williams’ scoring output on 17-of-30 shooting was the most in the NCAA this season.
Coach Sherri Coale was happy about her team's effort, but ecstatic about Williams' performance.
"I don’t want to it get lost in the loss, the unbelievable special performance that Madi Williams had today," Coale said. "She was in the zone, and it was a thing of beauty to watch, and coach.
"Just a really special day on the basketball floor. She’s worked her way into that and she earned a performance like that."
OU fell to 3-5 overall and 0-3 in Big 12 play, while WVU improved to 7-2 and 1-2.
OU got within six points in the fourth quarter, but faded down the stretch.
Oklahoma’s next game is Wednesday night at Texas Tech.
