Luper's Big Night Leads ORU Women Into First Place

Oral Roberts University moved into the Southland Conference lead for the first time in four weeks as they topped Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 81-59, on Saturday afternoon at the Mabee Center. Senior Kevi Luper scored 26 points in the win.

ORU (13-11, 10-4 SLC) took advantage of earlier losses by Sam Houston State and Lamar to vault past both teams and into the SLC lead. Both the Bearkats and Cardinals are now 9-4 in league play, a half-game behind the Golden Eagles.

"This wasn't a pretty win tonight, but we're walking off the court in first place," said ORU coach Misti Cussen. "We will celebrate this win; it was a hard-fought battle."

Luper drained four 3-pointers and was one of four ORU players in double-figures. Sarah Shelton added 16 points, while Jaci Bigham scored 12 points and dished nine assists.

Savanna Buck had her second straight strong game, posting 11 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

Ashley Darley led the Islanders (3-21, 2-11 SLC) with 27 points and seven rebounds.

ORU shot 44.4 percent from the field and held the Islanders to 35.2 percent shooting.

The Golden Eagles play their final home game of the season on Tuesday, Feb. 19, when they host Central Arkansas. The game is the final scheduled home contest in the storied careers of Bigham, Buck and Luper, and tip time is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.