Defense leads HINU women

? Maria Stevens scored 22 points off 10-of-11 shooting Friday night to lead Haskell Indian Nations University to a 68-48 women’s basketball victory over Rhema Bible College.

The Indians forced 37 turnovers while recording their first victory of the season after two losses.

“That’s what happens off the press,” Haskell coach Phil Homeratha said. “We just played better defense the second half. That’s what we’ve been looking for.”

Haskell committed 27 turnovers but shot a season-best 48.5 percent.

“We shot well, finally,” Homeratha said. “The big catalyst for us was Kortney Smith. She’s one of the quicker players we’ve ever had. Amber Tecumseh played another good game for us at the point guard.”

Smith added 13 points, Samantha Pete scored 10, and Whitney Warrior had nine for the Indians, who will play Oklahoma City Rose State today in Broken Arrow.

Mandy Denton led Rhema Bible with a game-high 23 points.