CANCUN, Mexico–Oklahoma State jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as the Cowgirls defeated South Dakota 76-68 in the first game of the Cancun Challenge at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya on Thursday.
 
Oklahoma State (5-0) used a 13-2 run following the first quarter media timeout to outgain South Dakota (2-2). The Cowgirls would not allow the Coyotes within seven points for the remainder of the game. The Coyotes outscored the Cowgirls 43-35 in the second half, but were unable to overcome a 16-point first-half deficit.
 
Junior guard Jaycee Bradley scored a season high 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field. Bradley scored five of her points in the final 47 seconds of the game. Junior guard Allison Arens tallied her third-straight game in double figures with 10 points and seven boards.
 
Oklahoma State guard Loryn Goodwin paced the Cowgirls with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Center Kaylee Brown tallied a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Forwards Mandy Coleman and Jentry Holt pitched in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
 
South Dakota recorded a season best field-goal percentage of 48.3 percent (29-of-60), but Oklahoma State forced the Coyotes into 18 turnovers, including nine in the second quarter. The Cowgirls also made 14 more trips to the foul line.
 
Freshman guard Chloe Lamb provided a spark off the bench in the second half, scoring nine points. Senior center Kate Liveringhouse, senior guard Jasmine Trimboli and sophomore guard Ciara Duffy all added eight points. Duffy also led the Coyotes on the boards with nine rebounds. Sophomore guard Madison McKeever tied her career high with four steals.
 
South Dakota returns to the court at 5:30 p.m. CST tomorrow to face Indiana State.