OKLAHOMA CITY – Paul Quinn College (Texas) defeated Oklahoma City University 78-71 in non-conference action on Saturday afternoon at Abe Lemons Arena.
 
Paul Quinn (6-0) jumped out to an early 9-0 lead before OCU (5-7) fought back to cut the deficit to 31-28 on a pull-up jumper by sophomore guard Jaelen Arnette at the 4:10 mark of the first half. The Tigers responded with a 6-1 run to claim a 37-29 halftime lead.
 
The Stars mounted a steady comeback in the second half, taking their first lead of the game at 49-48 on a 3-pointer by junior forward Kori Guest at the 12:53 mark. OCU took its biggest lead of the game at 53-51 on a 3-pointer from the right corner by Guest at the 9:37 mark.
 
Paul Quinn answered Guest's trey with an 8-2 run to take a 59-55 lead at the 6:36 mark. OCU cut the deficit to 59-57 lead on two free throws by senior forward by senior forward Romario Spence at the 5:57 mark before PQC answered with a 11-4 run to claim a 70-61 lead with 2:33 remaining in regulation.
 
OCU would get the deficit down to 74-71 at the :20 mark on a couple of free throws by senior guard Rashaun Coleman but the visiting Tigers iced the game by making four free throws in the game's closing seconds.
 
Spence finished with a team-high 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Stars. Guest contributed 14 points and eight rebounds.
 
Ja'mare Redus, Spencer McElway and Brandon Johnson led Paul Quinn's offensive charge with 13 points apiece.
 
OCU out-rebounded PQC 40-38 but finished with a season-high 21 turnovers. Those turnovers led to 32 Paul Quinn points.
 
OCU returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 1 with a home Sooner Athletic contest against Wayland Baptist (Texas). Tip-off is scheduled for 3:45 p.m.