Springfield, MO - Stephens put together a strong run in the American Midwest Conference Tournament, earning a 62–52 quarterfinal victory over Central Baptist College before falling 71–63 to No. 2 seed Williams Baptist University in the semifinals.
Quartefinals vs Central Baptist
W, 62-52
Stephens advanced to the semifinals of the American Midwest Conference Tournament with a 62–52 quarterfinal victory over Central Baptist College on Thursday evening at Mission University.
After trailing 14–9 at the end of the first quarter, the Stars responded with a dominant second period, outscoring Central Baptist 23–13 to take a 32–27 lead into halftime. Stephens' defensive pressure proved to be the difference all night, forcing 24 turnovers and converting them into 27 points.
LaiJanique Perry-Ellis led all scorers with 25 points while adding seven rebounds, four assists, and five steals. She consistently attacked downhill and came up with key plays on both ends in the fourth quarter to help secure the win.
Quimari Shelton finished with 14 points and five rebounds, while Elizabeth Walton added seven points off the bench. Ameena Muhammed and KaLynn Irey combined for 11 rebounds as Stephens controlled the glass, 47–36.
Central Baptist edged Stephens in the third quarter, but the Stars clamped down defensively in the fourth, holding their opponent to just eight points and stretching their lead to as many as 11 with under four minutes to play.
With the win, Stephens moves on to the semifinals, where they will face No. 2-seeded Williams Baptist University for a spot in the conference championship game.
Semifinals vs Williams Baptist
L, 63-71
Stephens' season came to a close Saturday night with a 71–63 semifinal loss to No. 2 seed Williams Baptist University in the American Midwest Conference Tournament.
The Stars trailed 18–14 after the first quarter and 35–28 at halftime before battling back in the second half. Stephens cut the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter, but Williams Baptist capitalized at the free-throw line down the stretch to secure the win.
LaiJanique Perry-Ellis led Stephens with 18 points, adding seven rebounds and three steals. Quimari Shelton followed with 15 points and six rebounds, while Ameena Muhammed recorded a strong inside presence with 10 points and eight rebounds.
As a team, Stephens shot 36.5 percent from the field (23-of-63) and knocked down six three-pointers. The Stars forced 19 turnovers and turned them into 18 points, but Williams Baptist held a 42–34 advantage on the glass and shot 24-of-30 from the free-throw line, which proved to be the difference.
Stephens closes the season after an impressive tournament run that included a quarterfinal victory and a hard-fought semifinal appearance.
