COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Stars won overtime, defeating Harris-Stowe State University 66-62 in conference action. With standout performances by Casandra Sams and LaiJanique Perry-Ellis, Stephens improved to 4-5 overall and 2-3 in the AMC.
The game opened with both teams trading baskets. Perry-Ellis struck first for Stephens with a mid-range jumper, and Sams added key offensive rebounds, converting one into a putback layup to keep the Stars within striking distance at 16-21 after the first quarter.
The second quarter saw the Stars intensify their defense, limiting Harris-Stowe to 16.7% shooting.
Sams continued to dominate the boards, pulling down critical rebounds and adding a jump shot. Despite the effort, the Stars trailed 26-31 at halftime.
Perry-Ellis caught fire in the third quarter, scoring six of her game-high 22 points during a key 10-4 run.
Trinitee Alexander added a three-pointer off a pass from Sams, who tallied her first double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Stars closed the gap to 47-44 in the final quarter.
Stephens battled back in the fourth, forcing the game to go into overtime.
In the extra period, Perry-Ellis sank a contested jumper to give Stephens the lead, and Taylor Norris sealed the victory with a jump shot in the final minute.
The Stars' defense held Harris-Stowe to just four points in overtime to secure the win.
Stephens returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 14, hosting Missouri Baptist at 1 p.m. Fans are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for the final day of the Toys for Tots donation drive.
