Box Score Columbia, Mo. - The Lady Cougar basketball team won their eighth straight game on Thursday night, defeating crosstown opponent Stephens College by a score of 113-41 at the Arena of Southwell Complex. Columbia, the 17^th-ranked team in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improves to 12-4 overall and 8-0 in the American Midwest Conference (AMC) with the victory.
 
The Lady Cougars scored on their first six possessions and built a 23-2 lead less than five minutes into the opening half. Columbia stretched its lead out to 62-19 at the halftime break after shooting 69 percent from the field and 6 of 10 from behind the three-point line in the first period. The Lady Cougars also dominated the half with a 25-12 rebounding advantage, while forcing 16 turnovers by the Stars. Columbia led by more than 40 points throughout the final period as they cruised to their 12^th consecutive victory over Stephens since 2009.
 
Janairrika Bland paced the Lady Cougars with a game-high 22 points. Six other players finished in double figures for Columbia, who shot 58 percent on the night.
 
Thursday night's victory for the Lady Cougars sets up a conference showdown with second-ranked Freed-Hardeman University (16-0, 8-0 AMC) on Saturday, January 18^th as first place in the American Midwest Conference standings will be on the line. Tip-off is set for 2:00 pm in Henderson, Tenn.