Branson, MO - Stephens put together a strong first half on Saturday vs College of the Ozarks, staying within one possession for much of the opening two quarters before the Bobcats used a decisive third period to pull away in a 71 to 57 final. The Stars matched the Bobcats early with balanced scoring and efficient shooting, opening the game at 43 percent from the field and knocking down two threes in the first quarter to keep pace.

Stephens responded well in the second quarter and outscored the Bobcats 16 to 11 to take a 32 to 31 lead midway through the frame. The Stars generated stops, forced turnovers, and continued to rebound well on both ends. Taylor Teeple provided a lift inside with 12 points and six rebounds in the first half, and LaiJanique Perry-Ellis added timely mid-range scoring and defensive pressure. Sydney Reddin contributed steady guard play with ball movement, free throws, and a three that helped Stephens regain momentum.

The game shifted after halftime as the Stars were held to eight points in the third quarter while College of the Ozarks converted on second chance opportunities and scored 21 points in the period. The Bobcats built a double-digit advantage and maintained control the rest of the way. Stephens continued to battle in the final quarter and scored 17 points, including two threes from Reddin and a key basket from Marilyn Mastro, but the earlier scoring drought proved difficult to overcome.

Teeple finished with 12 points to lead the Stars and shot 6 for 11 from the field. Reddin added 11 points including three made three-pointers, and Perry-Ellis recorded seven points with four assists and two steals. Quimari Shelton provided an efficient eight points off the bench, and Mastro added nine with three made threes. Stephens collected 33 rebounds and produced 25 bench points, but College of the Ozarks held a 39 to 33 advantage on the glass and scored 18 second chance points.