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Oral Roberts University

Oral Roberts Golden Eagles

Women's Basketball

ORU Women Slip Past UTPA, 72-68

Boxscore



Tulsa, Okla. --Cori Williston scored 26 points and Oral Roberts University closed the game with a 12-4 run as the Golden Eagles rallied past Texas-Pan American for a 72-68 win, Tuesday at the Mabee Center.


The win gave ORU head coach Jerry Finkbeiner his 96th victory with the Golden Eagles, tying him with Dixie Woodall atop the career coaching wins list. The victory also improved ORU to 8-0 at home this season.


ORU (14-4) trailed 64-60 with 5:33 to play before Stephanie Clark almost single-handedly put the Golden Eagles ahead. With ORU down 64-61, Clark hit 3-of-4 free throws on consecutive possessions, tying the game at 64 with 3:56 to play.


The sophomore forward then went to work on the offensive glass, scoring put-back baskets on consecutive trips, the final time giving ORU a 70-66 lead with 1:46 left. After a bucket by UTPA's Naima Williams cut the lead to 70-68, Williston iced the game with a pair of free throws with 14 seconds to play.


ORU trailed 42-37 at halftime as the Lady Broncs shot 57.1 percent (16-28) from the field, including 7-of-8 from 3-point range. But the Golden Eagles' defense limited UTPA to 40 percent shooting in the second half, including 2-of-8 from long range. ORU shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-17 from 3-point range, and was 15-of-19 from the line.


Williston scored 19 points in the first half. The junior guard hit 9-of-13 shots overall, and also made a career-high six 3-pointers. Leah Cannon added 15 points and seven assists, while Clark scored 10 with nine rebounds and April Garcia chipped in with 10 points.


UTPA was led by Alex Gravel's 26 points. Williams and Julie Porter each scored 12.


The Golden Eagles return to action when they visit Mid-Continent Conference leader Western Illinois, 2 p.m., Saturday.

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Players Mentioned

Leah Cannon

#3 Leah Cannon

G
5' 5"
Redshirt
Glenunga International HS
Stephanie Clark

#45 Stephanie Clark

F
6' 1"
Sophomore
Artesia HS
April Garcia

#44 April Garcia

F/C
6' 3"
Junior
Preparatoria Regional del Norte
Cori Williston

#23 Cori Williston

G
5' 7"
Junior
Victory Christian

Players Mentioned

Leah Cannon

#3 Leah Cannon

5' 5"
Redshirt
Glenunga International HS
G
Stephanie Clark

#45 Stephanie Clark

6' 1"
Sophomore
Artesia HS
F
April Garcia

#44 April Garcia

6' 3"
Junior
Preparatoria Regional del Norte
F/C
Cori Williston

#23 Cori Williston

5' 7"
Junior
Victory Christian
G
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