Too much can be made, the cynics might say, about how sports, a game, a victory can be a salve for a wound, provide succor for an individual, a team or a community.

Perhaps those who don't believe in the healing power of sports should walk a season in the shoes of the Oklahoma State women's team.

The Cowgirls (22-12) defeated James Madison, 75-68, Saturday in Stillwater. The victory earned Oklahoma State the Women's NIT championship. The Cowgirls are the second Big 12 Conference school to win the WNIT; Kansas State did so in 2006.

On Nov. 17, Oklahoma State coach Kurt Budke, assistant coach Miranda Serna were killed along with two others in a plane crash in Arkansas. While the pain of that tragedy faded with each practice and each game, the last five months have transpired with the memories of the departed forever lingering.

"We set out to accomplish a goal at the beginning of the year, and after everything we've been through, it feels great to win our last game," said junior Toni Young, who was named the WNIT most valuable player. "A lot of teams don't get to win their last game. We got through it all together as one. We stuck together this whole season."

Young followed up her semifinal effort (27 points) by scoring 25, Tiffany Bias added 17 points and 11 assists while Liz Donhoe had 14 points and 11 rebounds - the fifth consecutive double-double for the Big 12 freshman of the year.

The Cowgirls scored 11 straight points during a 17-4 run in the first half that gave them control of the game. Oklahoma State's lead eventually grew to 17 points. James Madison (29-8) pulled to within 72-68 with 28 seconds remaining but Bias made three throws to seal it.

The Cowgirls became the second straight WNIT champ to win the title by playing six straight home games. Toledo won the WNIT last year. A crowd of 6,157 was on hand. Oklahoma State men's coach Travis Ford purchased and donated 400 tickets to students.

"Travis Ford has been there for us the whole time through everything," Bias said. "The season was a roller coaster. When we were sad, we were sad. When we were happy, we were happy. I think we all went through that. It was a tough spot, but we're getting through it as a team and as one."

Budke's wife Shelley has continued to attend games at Gallagher-Iba Arena. After the games, the players made it habit to go into the stands to hug her. That scene was repeated Saturday. And Shelley Budke cut down the final piece of the net in the postgame celebration.

"We wouldn't have had it any other way," Littell said. "She's been a rock for us, the way she's come to the games, supported the Cowgirls, and been there for these kids, and been there for the coaches. I commend her for that. I don't know how she's done it sometimes, the way she's done it."

Consider this Tweet from Ryan Cameron, the team's sports information director: "Today was about more than basketball. This one is for the 4!"