Luper Leads ORU Women To Big Win Over Nicholls St.

Kevi Luper scored 22 points and Jaci Bigham added 20 as Oral Roberts crushed Nicholls State 84-56 on Thursday night at the Mabee Center. The loss bumps ORU up to 9-10 (6-3 Southland Conference).

The senior duo topped the 20-point mark in the same game for the first time since Nov. 27, 2010, a 93-86 loss to Houston.

"This was a great win for us tonight," said ORU Head Coach Misti Cussen. "The effort was there, the execution was there, and I am very pleased with the direction our team is moving right now."

Luper added a season-high 10 rebounds while Bigham notched seven assists and six steals.

One key to the victory came in the rebounding column, where ORU outworked Nicholls 38-32.

"We really focused on rebounding this week in practice," said Bigham, who added four boards. "We didn't want it to be a factor in the game; we didn't want (the game) to come down to that."

Also joining the double-double party was Sarah Shelton, who scored 14 points and snatched 10 rebounds. Taylor Cooper added 12 points, all in the second half.

ORU shot 53.2% from the floor, with a 61.3% mark in the second half.

Alisha Allen scored 18 points to lead the Colonels (12-8, 4-5 SLC). Jasmine Scott chipped in 14 points off the bench.

The loss avenges a 69-66 setback ORU experienced at the hands of Nicholls on Jan. 5.

ORU's 84-point output was their largest of the season against an NCAA Division I opponent.

Luper's double-double was her first since Jan. 3, 2011, when she had 34 points and 10 steals in a victory over Northeastern State.

The Golden Eagles cap their season-long four-game home stand on Saturday, Feb. 2, when they host Southeastern Louisiana. Tip time is scheduled for 5 p.m.