Final: Stephens 69, Cottey 58

Cottey returned home Thursday night and delivered one of its most explosive quarters of the season, but a dominant inside performance from Stephens and a tough second half for the Comets allowed the Stars to escape with a 69–58 win in Nevada.

First Quarter

Stephens opened the game with pace and physicality, attacking the paint early and building a 24–10 lead. Cottey struggled to slow down the Stars' frontcourt duo of Perry‑Ellis and Shelton, who combined for 17 first‑quarter points.

Second Quarter — Cottey's Best Frame of the Season

The Comets flipped the game completely in the second quarter, erupting for 29 points — their highest-scoring period of the year.

• Brecklen Morrison caught fire from deep.

• Ellaina LaNear provided a huge spark off the bench.

• Andrea Aragon attacked confidently and knocked down a three.

• Gabrielle Burrus orchestrated the offense with six first‑half assists.

Cottey outscored Stephens 29–8 in the quarter, turning a 14‑point deficit into a 39–32 halftime lead and sending the home crowd into a roar.

Third Quarter

Stephens responded with adjustments out of the break, leaning heavily on star guard LaiJanique Perry‑Ellis, who took over the game. The Comets struggled to find the same offensive rhythm they had in the second quarter, scoring just eight points while Stephens reclaimed the lead behind a 19‑8 run.

Fourth Quarter

Cottey continued to battle, but the Stars' interior size and Perry‑Ellis' shot‑making proved too much down the stretch. Stephens closed the game with an 18‑11 fourth quarter to secure the road win.

Cottey College Leaders

Brecklen Morrison – 14 points, 4 rebounds

A major spark off the bench, Morrison hit three threes and provided the scoring punch that fueled Cottey's massive second quarter.

Gabrielle Burrus – 10 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds

The engine of the offense, Burrus created opportunities all night and kept Cottey organized during its best stretches.

Andrea Aragon – 9 points

Efficient and aggressive, Aragon gave the Comets early scoring and helped ignite the second‑quarter surge.

Ellaina LaNear – 9 points, 7 rebounds

One of the most impactful players on the floor, LaNear was perfect from the field and brought toughness on the glass.

AuShae Farris – 8 points, 5 rebounds

Hit two threes and battled inside against Stephens' size.

Team Notes

• Cottey shot 43.8% from the field and 36.8% from three — one of their most efficient shooting nights of the season.

• The Comets assisted on 12 of 21 made field goals.

• Stephens dominated the paint behind Shelton (19 pts, 15 reb) and Perry‑Ellis (27 pts).

• Cottey's 29‑point second quarter was their highest-scoring period of the year.