Oklahoma women's basketball: OU senior Joanna McFarland says, 'I want to show everybody that this is not over'

The conversation was relayed to senior forward Joanna McFarland.

“I know in a lot of people's minds, it may be over,” McFarland said. “We did lose so many people to injuries, but this is my last year. I want to show everybody that this is not over.”

McFarland grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds in Oklahoma's first game without Hand, Sunday's 76-63 loss to Vanderbilt.

After the game, McFarland said it would be disrespectful to her injured teammates if she didn't play as hard as possible in their honor.

Wednesday, she expanded on those thoughts with The Oklahoman, and talked about the importance of finishing the Sooners' nonconference slate strong.

You missed six games last year with a broken jaw; is that why you feel so strongly about playing hard for your injured teammates?

“I remember the first game after my injury last year; it was the Kansas State game, there. I couldn't go because I had surgery. Everybody on the team texted me and said, ‘This one's for you.'