ORU Women Improve To 5-0 With Win Against Houston

NewsOn6.com

HOUSTON – Expecting a win from ORU against Houston on Tuesday wasn't exactly far-fetched, but some of the stats it put up certainly were.

The Golden Eagles beat the Cougars 76-60, but even the final score wasn't exactly indicative of the struggle Houston underwent in facing tough ORU defense all game.

Oral Roberts pressed, trapped and jumped passing lanes all night on its way to forcing an absurd 31 turnovers from Houston.

The Golden Eagles picked up 24 steals in the process, easily a season-high even for a team that thrives on steals.

Houston, the defending conference champs from C-USA, allowed the Golden Eagles to jump out to a 9-2 lead four minutes in, and couldn't cut into the deficit all night.

ORU extended its lead to 20 points early in the second half and led by as many as 22.

Kevi Luper led the way again with 24 points, but a number of Oral Roberts players got in on the action.

Freshman Bernadett Balla added 17 points and five boards. Seniors Georgia Jones and Jordan Pyle both scored in double digits for the Golden Eagles.

Houston (0-4) got 27 points from Roxanna Button and 20 rebounds from freshman Terran Alford.

With the win, Oral Roberts improved to 5-0 for the first time since 1982.

ORU is 2-3 all-time against Houston, but Tuesday's win was the Golden Eagles' first win road win against the Cougars.

Oral Roberts will return home on Saturday to face Missouri State. Tipoff at the Mabee Center is set for 2:05 p.m.