COLUMBIA, Mo. – In a thrilling matchup featuring an electric atmosphere for Women in Sports Night, Stephens pulled out a 67-62 victory over Harris-Stowe on Thursday night at Silverthorne Arena, with WIN for Columbia in attendance.
Chu Crockett delivered another standout performance, securing her eighth double-double of the season with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Mid-Missouri native, Aushara Hostetler finished with a personal best of five three-pointers in a game, totaling 15 points, while LaiJanique Perry-Ellis added 14 points and five assists.
Stephens (14-8, 11-5 AMC) set the tone early, outscoring Harris-Stowe 18-15 in the opening quarter. Hostetler caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down two key three-pointers to keep the Stars in rhythm.
Crockett established a presence inside, scoring on back-to-back possessions, while the defense forced multiple turnovers to disrupt Harris-Stowe's offense.
The Stars continued their momentum into the second quarter, fueled by Perry-Ellis, who orchestrated the offense. Hostetler remained hot from deep, connecting on another three-pointer, while Syderah Farmer contributed with aggressive rebounding and defensive stops.
A transition layup from Perry-Ellis in the final seconds of the half extended the lead to 34-26 at the break.
Harris-Stowe mounted a comeback in the third, cutting the deficit to four, but the Stars responded with a strong defensive effort led by Syderah Farmer and Trinitee Alexander. Farmer disrupted passing lanes and grabbed crucial rebounds, while Alexander provided key defensive stops in the paint.
Offensively, Perry-Ellis and Crockett combined for timely baskets to keep the Stars ahead. Despite Harris-Stowe's pressure, Stephens maintained composure, entering the final period ahead 52-46.
With the game hanging in the balance, Puzule's clutch three-pointer energized the arena, giving Stephens the spark needed to maintain their lead. The Stars held off a late push from Harris-Stowe with steady free-throw shooting to seal the win.
The Stars now turn their attention to the road, traveling to St. Louis for a 1 p.m. tip-off against Missouri Baptist on Saturday, Feb. 8.
