Stephens basketball team breaks slide

COLUMBIA — The Stephens College basketball team snapped a five-game losing streak with an 88-55 victory Saturday over the visiting Manhattan (Kan.) Christian College Crusaders. It was the second time this season that the two teams met. Manhattan Christian won the first matchup 56-60.

Stephens coach Dane Pavlovich changed the Stars’ game plan for the second meeting, taking advantage of the speed and depth of the Stars’ lineup.

“I felt like we wanted to play faster than them today,” Pavlovich said. “I wanted to press it and force our tempo.”

The Stars took a 43-26 lead at the half, and started the second half with a full-court press that led to a 13-2 run in the first three minutes. The Stars’ defense forced 28 turnovers that led to the highest point total for the Stars’ offense all season.

Freshman forward Ashley Johnson led the Stars with 14 points and led all players with 7 rebounds. Junior guard Ali Roper added 12 points on 4 of 6 shooting from the three-point line.

The Stars host Principia College at 7 p.m. Monday.