COLUMBIA, Mo. – Despite a valiant effort and Chu Crockett recording her second consecutive double-double, the Stephens College Stars narrowly fell 67-69 to undefeated Columbia College (RV) on Saturday afternoon in a hard-fought AMC matchup.

Crockett led the Stars (7-7, 4-4 AMC) with a game-high 26 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks. LaiJanique Perry-Ellis added 13 points and two assists, while Taylor Norris contributed seven points and five assists.

The Stars set the tone early, using aggressive defense and quick ball movement to take a 20-14 lead after the opening frame. Crockett established her presence immediately with a mid-range jumper and a putback layup, while Aushara Hostetler energized the home crowd with back-to-back three-pointers.

Stephens extended their lead to nine midway through the second quarter, highlighted by a Crockett three-pointer and a fast-break layup from Perry-Ellis.
The Cougars responded with a five-point run, but the Stars held their ground and entered halftime with a 38-35 advantage.

The intensity escalated in the third quarter as both teams exchanged baskets. Crockett scored five quick points, including a layup off a Norris assist, to keep the Stars ahead. However, Columbia answered with a pair of inside baskets, tying the game at 46-46 before closing the quarter on a 9-4 run to take a 55-50 lead into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with the lead changing hands six times. Columbia hit a key three-pointer late to extend their lead to five points. Crockett kept the Stars in the game, scoring four points in the final minute, including a clutch putback that brought Stephens within one. Despite a last-second layup attempt, Columbia held on for the win, sealing the game with two decisive free throws.

The Stars will look to bounce back on Jan. 13 at 5:30 p.m. when they face Hannibal-LaGrange University. This contest was rescheduled from Jan. 7 due to inclement weather.