Great Falls, MT - Stephens closed its Montana road trip with a competitive performance on Sunday, coming up just short in a 54–52 result at Providence.

The Stars started strong, building a 12–10 lead after the first quarter behind six early points from LaiJanique Perry-Ellis. Stephens continued to execute well in the second period, shooting 37.5 percent and getting three-pointers from Sydney Reddin and Marilyn Mastro to take a 27–22 lead into halftime.

After the break, Providence made its push. The Argos used a 15-point third quarter and converted four free throws to move in front 37–36 entering the fourth. Stephens responded with timely baskets—Simone Clay and Perry-Ellis each scored in the paint—and a three from Mastro kept the Stars within one possession in the final minutes.

Providence extended its lead to four with under two minutes to go, but Stephens continued to compete. Reddin knocked down two free throws with 34 seconds left to make it 54–52, and the Stars forced a turnover with five seconds remaining. The final possession came up short as Providence held on.

Perry-Ellis led the Stars with 14 points and six rebounds, while Reddin added 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Mastro provided a spark off the bench with 12 points on four made threes, and Clay finished with eight points in 13 minutes.

Stephens outshot Providence from three (30.4 percent to 23.8 percent) and got 20 points from its bench, while the Argos held a 45–35 advantage on the glass.