ST. LOUIS - Missouri Baptist welcomed the Stephens Stars to the Petty SRC and played a solid first half as they only trailed by three at the break, but a second half to soon forget placed the Spartans down by 25 at the final buzzer.

The Spartans and Stars matched up for the second time on the season, and the Spartans played good basketball in the first half. They defended well and kept Stephens' squad to minimal points. Missouri Baptist held a lead after the first quarter, 14-11.

MBU held a five point lead early in the second frame, but the Stars were able to flip the script and took a three point lead into the locker rooms for halftime.

Sophia Horton led the Spartans in points with seven in the first half and Audrey Payne had six of her own. Kayleigh Winch was dominant in the paint pulling down seven rebounds before the break.

Turnovers played a key role throughout the contest as the Stars scored 11 points off turnovers to Missouri Baptist's zero. Despite the marginal gap, the lead changed nine times, and Missouri Baptist was well within striking distance.

The Stars began to showcase their electric offense in the third quarter as they outscored MBU by five points. The fourth quarter did not go in the Spartans' favor either as Stephens won the frame 26-9, pinning a 75-50 loss on Missouri Baptist.

Winch posted another double-double on the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Horton was right behind her in scoring with 14 points.

Spartan Stat Leaders

Points: Winch (15)

Rebounds: Winch (10)

Assists: Aliyah Williams (3)

Records

Missouri Baptist: 6-17 (6-11 AMC)

Stephens: 15-8 (12-5 AMC)

Next Game

The Spartans will hit the road on Tuesday for a St. Louis battle at Harris-Stowe with a 5:30 p.m. start time.