The No. 21 Oklahoma Sooners opened the season with a big win over No. 12 North Carolina, 91-79, in Paris, France. The Sooners used a big third quarter to run away from the Tar Heels, and freshman LeeLee Bell had a breakout performance in her Oklahoma debut.

Bell, a former five-star prospect and Gatorade National Player of the Year from North Dakota, led the Sooners with 25 points on 9-for-21 shooting, including 4-for-7 from three. Bell also led the Sooners with eight rebounds. She was more than ready for the bright lights of a top-25 matchup, showing off big-time confidence in the win.

Senior Sahara Williams also had a big day for the Sooners, scoring 22 on 8-for-15 shooting and 3-for-7 from three. Sophomore Aaliyah Chavez was the only other Sooner in double figures with 14 points on 4-for-12 shooting. Chavez's day was limited to just 25 minutes in the game, dealing with early foul trouble.

After jumping out to an 8-0 run to open the game, North Carolina battled back with a run of their own to take a first quarter lead. The two sides traded blows, especially as Oklahoma struggled on the glass in the first half. The Tar Heels dominated the boards, grabbing 24 offensive rebounds. But Oklahoma's defense limited UNC to just 15 second-chance points.

The Sooners also turned the ball over 21 times, but it led to only 27 points off turnovers.

Oklahoma held the Tar Heels to 33.7% shooting from the field and 27.5% from three. UNC struggled at the foul line, hitting just 58.8% of their free throws.

In the Sooners' big third quarter, they shot 50% from the field while holding UNC to 30% shooting in the frame to take an 18-point lead into the fourth.

After a Sweet 16 appearance in 2025-2026, the Sooners are off to a great start to the 2026-2027 season with a top-25 win over a good North Carolina team.