Columbia, Mo. - The Cougar basketball team won their seventh straight game on Thursday night, defeating crosstown opponent Stephens College by a score of 77-47 at the Arena of Southwell Complex. Columbia, the 23^rd-ranked team in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improves to 11-4 overall and 7-2 in the American Midwest Conference (AMC) with the victory.

The Cougars led by as much as 26 in the opening frame and took a 45-19 advantage at the halftime break. Columbia shot 46 percent from the field and connected on seven of 15 attempts (47 percent) from beyond the arc in the first period, led by 11 points from Amber Percival. The Cougars also dominated the half with a 26-14 rebounding advantage, while forcing 13 turnovers by the Stars. The Cougars continued to roll coming out of the halftime break, leading by as many as 38 points on their way to their 14^th consecutive victory over Stephens since 2009.

Columbia hit 13 of 29 attempts from the field over the final 20 minutes to finish at 46 percent on the night, led by Corri Hamilton with a team-high 16 points to go along with nine rebounds. Percival and Tierney Seifert chipped in 14 and 10 points, respectively. Kei'yana Pearson handed out a season-high seven assists. The Cougars dominated nearly every other aspect of the game as well, including a 47-39 edge on the glass in addition to 37 bench points.

Columbia will return to the hardwood for a conference matchup with Missouri Baptist University on Saturday, January 10^th. Tip-off is set for 2:00 pm at the Arena of Southwell Complex.