On Saturday, the Cardinal absolutely handled number two seed Oklahoma 88-74 behind a Walton-like performance from 6-4 junior center Brooke Smith. Smith poured in 35 points on 14 of 16 shooting. She also had seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and played every second. Smith may have gotten all the media attention, but on the defensive end, unsung center Kristen Newlin corralled Sooner rookie phenom Courtney Paris, daughter of former San Francisco 49'er ringholder Bubba Paris. Paris is , and she put up 26 points and 16 rebounds, but the tenacity and long arms of Newlin kept Paris off balance and frustrated all game.

Smith was definitely the story of the game, displaying an impressive portfolio of inside moves, hook shots, and turnaround jumpers. Smith seemingly couldn't miss, and dominated the game offensively. Good thing too, because Candice Wiggins, sister of USF star Alan Wiggins, Jr. and daughter of former San Diego Padres speedster Alan Wiggins, was off the mark all day. The Pac-10 Player of the Year and usually the driving force in the Cardinal offense, Wiggins made just 6 of 22 shots from the field.

a serious load