March 16, 2006

JACKSON, Tenn. - Top-seeded Oklahoma City University defeated eighth-seeded Missouri Baptist University 78-46 to advance to the second round of the 26th annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship at Oman Arena.

OCU trailed twice by two points in the opening minute and a half of the game, but that would be their only deficit of the night, as they went on to out score Missouri Baptist 38-19 in the first half on 54 percent shooting from the floor. The second half story was the same, as the Stars shot a first round best for field goal percentage in a half with a 58.6 percent second period.

Oklahoma City's Mariam Sy scored a game-high 28 points and collected three blocks to be the only Star in double-figures, as 11 OCU players posted points.

Missouri Baptist also only had one double-figure scorer with LaTrice McMichel's 23 points.

Oklahoma City improves to 31-2 on the season and advances to their ninth consecutive second round game on Friday at 9:45 a.m. to face fourth-seeded Azusa Pacific University (24-9).