After a tough midweek loss in overtime, Stephens College (4-2) was looking to bounce back against Cottey College (2-4). From the moment of tip-off, Stephens was looking to drive to the paint for easy lay-ins and pushing to get Cottey's center into foul trouble. They succeeded in that, and within a minute of the game, they were able to draw two quick fouls on Cottey's 6'4 center. With the Comet's rim protector now off the court, the Stars eyes seemed to get bigger when dodging into the lane with the rim only getting smaller. The Stars shot 2-12 from the field and were down 17-5 at the end of the first. 

After a stale second quarter, the Stars go into halftime down 34-17. When in the locker room, Coach Bell was adamant that this team needs to take it one possession at a time and have a sense of togetherness. "We were frustrated and looking for excuses. We need a better mindset and to refocus where our energy is needed to go," Coach Bell stated. 

The Stars took those words and ran with them, outscoring the Comets, 14-3, and cutting the lead to six after three-quarters of play. In the final quarter of play, both teams looked tired and shots were falling flat. The Stars couldn't gain any ground on Cottey College, losing 47-39 in their lowest offensive output of the season. 

"The season needs to be made here. We had success early in the season and we jumped off that train. Now is the time to refocus and get everyone on the same page. Togetherness is the key," Coach Bell said post-game. 

Stephens College is set to take on Health Science & Pharmacy of St. Louis this Tuesday (January 9th) in St. Louis.