COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Stephens College Stars capped off the home portion of their 2024 schedule with a decisive 72-59 victory over Missouri Baptist University. The win extended their season-high winning streak to three games and evened their overall and conference record at 5-5 and 3-3, respectively.

Stephens established their rhythm early, claiming a 16-12 lead in the opening quarter. Casandra Sams set the tone with four points on 2-of-3 shooting and a key offensive rebound. 

The Stars surged ahead in the second quarter, outscoring the Spartans 22-12.

Full-court defensive pressure caused multiple turnovers, and LaiJanique Perry-Ellis capitalized with back-to-back layups, part of her game-high 23 points.

Sams, who tallied 10 points and five rebounds, added a tough finish in the paint to keep the momentum firmly in Stephens' favor.

Missouri Baptist responded strongly after halftime, shooting 63.6% from the floor and trimming the deficit with an 18-10 edge in the third.

The Stars held their ground with key defensive rebounds from Syderah Farmer and Perry-Ellis, preserving a 48-42 lead heading into the final frame.

Stephens sealed the game with an emphatic 24-point fourth quarter. Farmer scored seven of her 10 points in the period, including a corner three-pointer and a fast-break layup off a Perry-Ellis assist.

The Stars will head west to Arizona for the Cactus Classic, where they will face Montana Western on Dec. 19 and Carroll College on Dec. 20. Fans are reminded that the Missouri Baptist game marked the final opportunity to donate toys for the Toys for Tots drive.