Box Score Columbia, Mo. – The Cougar women's basketball team defeated crosstown opponent Stephens College by a score of 91-42 tonight in Southwell Complex. Columbia, the 13^th-ranked team in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improves to 11-2 overall and 5-2 in the American Midwest Conference (AMC) with the victory.
 
The Cougars held the Stars scoreless for the first five minutes of the contest and finished the first quarter with a 21 point advantage. Columbia stretched its lead out to 44-20 at the halftime break after shooting 50 percent from the field and 7 of 13 from behind the three-point line throughout the first two quarters. Columbia continued to stretch their lead in the third and fourth quarters and held the Stars to just 22 points in the final 20 minutes of play.
 
Sophomore Ashlee Marlatt paced the Cougars with a game-high 19 points. Mai Nienhueser chipped in 14 points and Morgan Brandt had 12 points to round out the double figure scoring for Columbia.  Martha Imoniana led all players with nine rebounds and three blocks in her first game back on the court.

In just her third season at the helm of the Cougars, head coach Jessica Keller logged her 60^th career win today.

The Cougars return to the court on Saturday, December 31^st when they host conference foe Missouri Baptist University. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. in the Southwell Complex.