Columbia, MO - The Stephens College basketball team showed promise early but couldn't sustain momentum against a tough Bethel squad, falling 90-52 on Friday night inside Powell Athletic Center.
The Stars came out strong, matching Bethel's energy through the first half. After a 28-19 opening quarter, Stephens responded with an impressive second period, outscoring the Wildcats 20-19 to trim the halftime deficit to single digits at 47-39. However, Bethel's high-powered offense caught fire after the break, pulling away behind a dominant third quarter and efficient shooting down the stretch.
LaiJanique Perry-Ellis led the charge for the Stars with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including two three-pointers and a perfect 4-for-4 from the line in the first half. Kelsey Crossan added seven points, three assists, and three rebounds, while freshman Simone Clay provided a spark off the bench with seven points, including two makes from beyond the arc.
Stephens shot 38 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range, showing flashes of rhythm on offense despite Bethel's pressure. The Stars also got valuable minutes from several contributors, as 15 players saw action in the road matchup.
