OKLAHOMA CITY – The inaugural game of the Coach Alexis Lawrence era at Oklahoma City ended in victory over Oklahoma Wesleyan on Saturday, 69-57.
 
"I was proud of the way our team fought today and got the win," said Lawrence. "I'm glad that first one is behind us and I can go celebrate a win with the team and my family."
 
The Eagles led for most of the first quarter before Ellie Willard knocked down a three-pointer for a 14-12 lead with just over a minute to play. OWU fired back and led 16-14 going into the second quarter.
 
Another Willard trey with six minutes to go in the second quarter put the Stars ahead 26-23 and OCU took a 32-31 lead into the halftime lockers.
 
After leading for most of the third quarter, the Stars fell behind on a three-pointer and were down 48-47 going into the final frame.
 
Jerzie Bryant gave OCU the lead for good with a jumper with 9:17 to play, 49-48. Birthday girl Victoria Ososanya scored all 10 of her points, along with three rebounds, an assist and a steal in the game's final seven minutes to help hold off the Eagles.
 
"Oh I love that kid," Lawrence said about Ososanya's stepping up. "Those last couple of plays she was saying 'give me the ball.' When a player wants the basketball, we're going to get her the ball."
 
Willard and Bryant led the Stars with 11 points each with Ososanya and Weronika Tomaszuk adding 10 apiece. Tomaszuk the OCU with nine rebounds.
 
OCU heads to St. Louis next weekend for the UHSP Tip Off Classic next weekend. The Stars play Central Methodist at 1 p.m. on Friday, followed by a 10 a.m. contest Saturday against Ottawa (Ariz.).