Great Falls, Mont. - Stars Basketball embarked on a challenging matchup against the #18 NAIA Nationally Ranked University of Providence in the Great Falls Classic. Despite a hard-fought effort, the Stars concluded with a narrow loss, the final score standing at 59-62.
The game commenced with an intense battle for possession, with the Stars winning the jump ball. However, the Argos seized the lead.
Marveen Ross's offensive rebound layup narrowed the gap to 9-10. A buzzer-beater by
Lauren Friedrich added three crucial points for the Stars, concluding the first quarter with a score of 12-15.
A 3-pointer from
Aushara Hostetler quickly tied the game, showcasing the team's effective responsiveness. The Argos, though, managed to regain the lead.
Zaraya March's crucial 3-pointer closed the gap for the Stars as they headed into halftime on a positive note.
The Stars, fueled by determination, took the lead for the first time in the game during the third quarter, thanks to Hostetler's fourth 3-pointer. In the final quarter, the Stars demonstrated resilience against the nationally ranked Providence, with Stephens contributing early in the quarter. However, the game reached a 51-all tie, setting the stage for a nail-biting conclusion.
With every possession crucial, the final score favored the home team at 59-62. The Argos had a higher field goal percentage (42.9%) compared to the Stars (33.3%), but the Stars showcased their prowess in 3-point shooting with a 31.8% success rate, slightly better than the Argos' 30.8%. Additionally, the Stars exhibited efficiency at the free-throw line with an impressive 83.3%, surpassing the Argos' 80.0%.
Head Coach
Andre Bell emphasized, "We've learned valuable lessons and see great potential in our team. We are grateful for the opportunity in Montana, facing strong competition. Consistency is key, and it begins with coaching. We're committed to improvement as a team."
Looking ahead, the Stars gear up for an exhibition game at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, scheduled for 11 AM on November 20th.
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