Oklahoma Veterans Rattle Kansas State

This time the young and fearless attitude didn’t work for Kansas State.

No. 4 Oklahoma had the 13th-ranked Wildcats, who start three freshmen and one sophomore, frazzled early and had no trouble turning a 17-point halftime lead into a 69-49 victory Thursday night at Kansas City, Mo.

Oklahoma (26-3) forced 23 turnovers by Kansas State (24-7) and converted them into 24 points to advance to its second consecutive Big 12 Conference tournament title game on Saturday.

The Sooners will play seventh-ranked Baylor, a 91-83 winner over No. 11 Iowa State.

“We have some quickness defensively,” said Oklahoma’s Stacey Dales. “When you have a young team, that pressure can fluster you. They’re really good in their youth, but it can get to you.”

Dales led an experienced squad--four starters have played in four conference tournaments--with 19 points.

Rosalind Ross, Caton Hill and LaNeishea Caufield had 13 points apiece for the Sooners, who won their fourth consecutive.

In Baylor’s victory, Sheila Lambert had 20 points and 11 assists as the Lady Bears (26-4) reached their first conference tournament championship game.

Baylor shot 53.7% and forced 21 turnovers by Iowa State (23-8) to win its eighth consecutive. Danielle Crockrom had 18 points, Stasha Richards had 17 and Stephanie Blackmon 16.

Angie Welle led Iowa State with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Colonial--Monique Coker scored eight of her 18 points during an 18-5 run to start the second half, and 15th-ranked Old Dominion defeated William and Mary, 73-52, at Norfolk, Va., in the quarterfinals of the Colonial Athletic Assn. tournament.

The Lady Monarchs (23-5), unbeaten in league play during the regular season, led, 31-26, at halftime and scored 16 of the first 18 points in the final 20 minutes.

Old Dominion advances to the semifinals to play George Mason, a 65-56 winner over James Madison.