OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 3, 2018) – Oklahoma Christian women's basketball coach Stephanie Findley said her team hasn't worked as much on shooting during the preseason as usual.

But even with the OC offense moving in fits and starts on Saturday afternoon, the Lady Eagles had enough firepower to lead all the way while downing York (Neb.) 69-51 in the annual homecoming exhibition game in the Eagles' Nest.

OC shot just 30 percent (24 of 80) from the field, but limited York – an NAIA foe – to 26.1 percent shooting (18 of 69) and committed only 12 turnovers while outrebounding the Panthers 61-56. Just two OC players scored in double figures – sophomore forward Katie Mayo (14 points, seven rebounds) and Addy Clift (12 points).

"We did not shoot the ball well," Findley said. "But I'm glad to see us give the effort that we did on defense and rebounding and things that would help get extra shots when your regular shots aren't falling.

"If we make those shots, we look a lot different and feel different about things. Knocking down some shots will go a long way toward making us feel better."

On the bright side, Findley was able to experiment with different lineups and received contributions from up and down her roster. Junior guard Megan Shelton had eight points, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots, while senior forward Hannah Bentsen grabbed nine rebounds and sophomore guard Ali Christie knocked down a pair of 3-pointers en route to an eight-point outing.

The newcomers also got involved, as freshman forward Kendra Levings had six points and six rebounds in 11 minutes and freshman center Kendall Blackburn contributed five points, six rebounds and four blocked shots.

"Megan was very active," Findley said. "She's a really smart player and she can kind of see the next pass that's going to happen when she's playing defense and she rotates really well."

York was within 21-18 with 6:46 left in the second quarter, but OC outscored the Panthers 10-3 during the rest of the quarter to go up 31-21 at halftime. Clift sparked an 8-0 run to open the second half, hitting three baskets and assisting on another by Mayo, to build the Lady Eagles' advantage to 39-21.

OC's biggest lead came 12 seconds into the fourth quarter, when a 3-pointer by Levings made it 61-34.

The Lady Eagles will open their season next Friday and Saturday in Wichita, Kan., in the Heartland-Lone Star Challenge hosted by Newman. OC will face Midwestern State (Texas) in the opener and Cameron the next day.

"We need to improve on everything," Findley said. "We haven't practiced that much yet. Offensively, our spacing is not great. We're not seeing people when they break open at the right time and delivering the ball on time.

"Defensively, we weren't getting around and getting in front of the post as much as we would like for them to. We weren't necessarily overplaying the passing lanes maybe when we should. We need to cut down on the dribble-drive penetration … but we'll get there."

Stephanie Findley discusses the game: https://youtu.be/TRCqupuU3lU

Game highlights: https://youtu.be/Au4eryB3-cI