GREAT FALLS, Mont. -- The University of Providence women's basketball team defeated Stephens College 54-52 Sunday afternoon.
The Stars (1-9) scored the first basket of the contest but a layup from senior Ainsley Thurber on the other end tied the game at two.
Stephens answered with a 9-0 run to take an 11-2 lead but a pair of layups from senior Sofia Mokofisi and junior Eliannah Ramirez brought the Argos (5-2) within two heading into the second quarter.
The Argos opened the second quarter with layups from Mokofisi and Ramirez to take a 14-12 lead, but the Stars responded with a pair of baskets to take a two-point edge.
Both teams traded baskets the rest of the half with an and one from the Stars putting Stephens ahead 27-22 heading into the break.
The Argos scored the first points of the second half behind a jumper from junior Brooke Dial but a three from Stephens put the Stars in front 30-25.
Stephens pushed the lead out to nine, but the Argos ended the third on an 11-2 run off a pair of three-point plays from Ramirez and Mokofisi to shorten the Stars lead to 38-37 heading into the fourth.
The Argos continued their momentum into the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run behind layups from Thurber and Mokofisi to put UP in front 44-38.
Each side went back-and-forth until a three from senior Camryn Cartwright gave the Argos a 52-47 edge with two minutes remaining.
Stephens answered with a three of their own, and following a layup from Thurber, a pair of free throws from the Stars cut the Argos lead to 54-52 with 33 seconds left.
The Argos ran the clock all the way down leaving the Stars with three seconds to get a shot off for the win or tie, but they were unable to get a look at the basket as the Argos defeated Stephens College 54-52.
Senior Sofia Mokofisi led the Argos with 15 points, senior Ainsley Thurber added 11, and junior Eliannah Ramirez tallied eight points and 12 rebounds.
The Argos will be back in action on Saturday, Dec. 6 when they host Bismarck State College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. (MST) in Great Falls, Mont.
