STERLING, Kan. — Oklahoma City University defeated Sterling College, 89-79, in the Gleason Center with the Stars capitalizing on a 47-40 rebounding advantage. Sterling recorded 12 steals, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
The opening quarter commenced with the Lady Warriors initially trailing but quickly finding their rhythm. Karlee Jacobs sparked a change in momentum with key defensive plays, including a steal that led to a fast-break layup. Sterling capitalized on turnovers, converting them into 11 points off turnovers and adding pressure with fast breaks, netting 5 points in transition.
Bailey Young contributed significantly in the paint, scoring crucial points and securing offensive rebounds as Sterling closed the quarter strong. Despite Oklahoma City University maintaining a slight edge with efficient shooting in the paint, Sterling College’s late surge, capped by Rori Miles‘ free throw, ensured they ended the quarter with a narrow 24-22 lead.
The Lady Warriors began the second quarter with a series of impactful plays, highlighted by Young’s layup at 8:27, assisted by Kali Briar, which regained the lead. The team capitalized on fast-break opportunities, with Miles assisting Briar for a quick jumper at 7:52, maintaining a tight contest with OCU.
As the quarter progressed, Jacobs contributed crucial free throws and layups, including a fast-break layup at 1:05, keeping the score tied at 40. However, despite a strong defensive effort, Sterling saw the lead slip away in the final minute, as the Stars’ Ellie Willard hit a three-pointer with one second remaining. The quarter closed with Sterling trailing 45–40.
Sterling began the third quarter with a quick defensive rebound by the Lady Warriors but faced a scoring challenge as the Stars maintained pressure. Miles capitalized on free throws early, reducing the deficit to three. Despite several missed attempts from the field, Sterling’s defense forced multiple turnovers, leading to a fast-break layup by Young and a timely steal by Jacobs.
Though Sterling found success in the paint with layups by McKenna Vogl and Jacobs, OCU responded with effective outside shooting, including a three-pointer by Lauren Rowan. As the quarter progressed, Sterling kept the game within reach by converting free throws, with Briar contributing from the line.
Despite trailing, Sterling continued to fight, with Briar and Jacobs closing the quarter by narrowing the gap through effective free throw shooting. The quarter ended with Sterling scoring 22 points, while the Stars tallied 23, maintaining their lead at 68-62.
In the fourth quarter, Sterling fought back with a series of key plays, including a layup by Miles that narrowed the gap early and a pivotal 3-pointer by Briar that kept the momentum shifting. Jacobs contributed at the free-throw line, giving Sterling a brief lead at 5:17. Despite maintaining pressure, turnovers and missed opportunities allowed the Stars to regain control, and they ultimately extended their lead in the closing minutes.
As the quarter progressed, Sterling’s efforts to close the gap were countered by the Stars’ consistent free-throw shooting, which solidified their advantage. With a final surge, OCU managed to widen their lead, finishing the game with an 89–79 victory over Sterling College.
Jacobs led with 26 points, hitting 12 of 14 free throws and recording four steals. Briar contributed 24 points and made all 11 of her free throw attempts, adding three steals and four assists. Young scored 15 points and secured 11 rebounds, including seven on the offensive end. Miles added five points, dished out three assists, and collected seven rebounds.
Sterling (1-2) will be back in action in the Gleason Center on Wednesday, Nov. 12 against William Penn University (2-2).
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
