Box Score Tulsa-Kevi Luper unleashed for a game-best 28 points and five steals, leading the ORU women's basketball team to a 110-58 season opening victory over the University of Texas-Arlington Mavericks Friday afternoon at the Mabee Center.

The nets were blazing early, as the Golden Eagles jumped ahead 9-0 on five-straight Luper points.

A scrappy UT-Arlington team managed to climb back to within a single digit by the thirteen minute mark, thanks to four treys on six possessions.

That would be as close as the guests would get however, as the too-hot-to-handle ORU offense quickly opened the margin up to 30 points (57-27) by halftime.

It was more of the same in the second stanza for ORU, as the ladies continued to attack the bucket and lock down the Mavericks defensively.

By games end, six players logged double-figures for a Golden Eagle squad that shot 50% for the contest, including a stellar 56% from beyond the arc. ORU also forced 35 UT-Arlington turnovers and snagged 21 steals.

Jordan Pyle finished the afternoon with 19 points and eight boards, while Jaci Bigham tacked on 15 points, six assists and four steals.

Savanna Buck and Christian Key added 11 points each for ORU, with Georgia Jones dropping 11 points and eight nifty assists.

Shalyn Martin led the Mavericks with 14 points and nine rebounds in the loss.

With the win, ORU moves to 1-0 on the young season, while UT-Arlington falls to 0-1.

The Golden Eagles are right back at it this Sunday, as they host North Texas at 4:00 p.m.

Women's Basketball season tickets are $79 each and can be purchased online at www.orugoldeneagles.com, by phone at (918) 495-6000 or in-person at the Mabee Center Ticket Office. The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

--ORU--