OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City University's women's basketball knocked off USAO 61-47 on Thursday at Abe Lemons Arena.

Holly Hardin, a junior from Chickasha, Okla., led the Stars with 13 points as well as grabbing 20 of the team's 50 boards. OCU, ranked seventh in the NAIA Division I, improved to 18-2, 10-2 in the Sooner Athletic Conference.

Chontaye Walter, a junior from Oklahoma City, added 13 points to the effort as well as handing out five assists. Breezy Martin, a junior from Oklahoma City, followed with 12 points, and Laura Duncan sank 11, rounding out the Stars' double-digit scorers.

Chelsea Ledbetter, a senior from Norman, Okla., posted a team-high eight assists along with eight points.

Martin converted a 3-point play in the second half to regain the lead after USAO tied the score. USAO scored on Sasha Ferguson's jumper, then Martin answered to put OCU up 32-29 with 13:03 left in the game.

“It was a great conversion that gave us a lift,” said OCU coach Rob Edmisson. “I've got to find some way to get these kids motivated. We're 18-2 and second in the conference and we're playing with the emotion of a team that is 2-17.”

OCU won despite shooting 34.8 percent from the field in the game. The Stars shot 25 percent from the field in the first half, but shot 42.1 percent in the second. The Stars defense forced 22 turnovers and held USAO to 34.5 percent shooting.

The Stars built their largest lead of the game of 14 in the second half with 1:14 remaining.