Coale, Sooners Begin Season At No. 17 In AP Poll

The Oklahoma women’s basketball team landed at No. 17 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, released Tuesday.

Oklahoma returns 11 letterwinners and four starters from last year’s squad that finished second in the Big 12 and made its 16th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The Sooners were one of three Big 12 teams that were picked in the poll. Conference foes Baylor and Texas were ranked No. 5 and No. 12, respectively.

Reigning national champion Connecticut was the unanimous choice for No. 1. South Carolina, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Baylor rounded out the top five. Ohio State, Florida State, Louisville, Maryland and Oregon State completed the top 10.

OU returns the majority of its production in every statistical category for 2015-16. That includes 81 percent of the team’s points and rebounds, along with 85 percent of its assists, 81 percent of its blocks and 78 percent of its steals. OU also brings back 80 percent of its made 3-point field goals and free throw production.

The Sooners take on Southwestern Oklahoma State in an exhibition game on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Lloyd Noble Center. OU begins the regular season on Friday, Nov. 13 against Winthrop at 7 p.m.