
Oral Roberts

Omaha
Highlights
Preview
OMAHA, Neb. (Interstat) — The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles look to solidify a winning season when they visit the struggling Omaha Mavericks in a Summit League women’s basketball matchup Wednesday at Baxter Arena. Oral Roberts (14-13) enters on the heels of a narrow 70-68 road victory at Missouri-Kansas City last Saturday. The Mavericks (4-25), meanwhile, are seeking any positive momentum after a string of losses, though they have shown flashes, including a near-upset in a 66-69 defeat at South Dakota last Thursday. The Golden Eagles, who sit at .500 in conference play, handled Omaha easily in their first meeting this season, a 85-52 rout in Tulsa on Jan. 17. Oral Roberts has relied on a balanced attack, but forward Ari Gordon has been a consistent force. She is coming off a 20-point, 6-rebound performance against UMKC and has scored in double figures in six of her last eight games. Omaha’s path to an upset likely runs through guard Sarai Estupiñan, who has provided explosive scoring despite the team’s record. Estupiñan poured in 24 points in the close loss to South Dakota and matched that total in a road win at Denver on Feb. 11. Her ability to create offense will be critical against an Oral Roberts defense that has been inconsistent. The Mavericks have struggled defensively, allowing 80 or more points in seven of their losses. Containing Gordon and Golden Eagles guard Kayten Donley, who had 10 points and 7 rebounds in the last meeting, will be a primary challenge. Oral Roberts must avoid a letdown against a conference foe it already dominated, especially with a key home game against Saint Thomas (Minn.) looming this weekend. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CST Wednesday. The game will be broadcast on the Summit League Network.