HILLSBORO, Kan. — The Stephens Stars earned a decisive 72-56 victory over Bethany College (Kan.) on Saturday afternoon on day two of the Tabor Classic, breaking away with a dominant fourth quarter. 

Stephens started strong in the opening quarter, with LaiJanique Perry-Ellis sinking back-to-back jump shots to give the Stars an early 11-2 lead. 

Syderah Farmer contributed with a pair of three-pointers, helping Stephens finish the first quarter ahead, 19-18. 

Bethany fought back in the second, briefly taking the lead, but Taylor Norris hit two clutch three-pointers to keep the game within reach. By halftime, Stephens trailed narrowly, 38-34.

In the third quarter, Cassandra Sams stepped up with a couple of key baskets to keep Stephens in the fight, while Farmer continued to dominate the boards. 

Entering the fourth, the Stars found themselves down by four but stormed back with an explosive 26-8 run. 

Perry-Ellis, who finished with a game-high 25 points, hit a critical and-one to shift momentum, while Norris, adding 11 points, helped put the game out of reach with a smooth jump shot and a late-game steal.

Stephens now looks ahead to an exhibition match against the University of Illinois-Springfield on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 6 p.m. in Springfield, Ill.