Another strong defensive effort for the Shock led to the team’s fourth straight win.

Tulsa defeated San Antonio for the second time in three days, beating the Stars in the BOK Center, 88-61.

The Shock held the Stars to shooting just 32 percent from the field and head coach Fred Williams has settled down defensively.TulsaShock1

“They’re starting to set the tone early for the games,” Williams said. “We’re finishing them out. I was very pleased with the overall play from our starters into our bench scoring and stuff.

“The players work hard, and that’s all we want to do is play Tulsa basketball. If we do that early, we’ll able to be a really good team in this league and always be a force to be reckoned with.”

Plenette Pierson led the Shock with 20 points, a season high for the forward.

She said it felt amazing to score well and also that she felt the Tulsa fans are enjoying the team’s progress.

“It feels amazing,” Pierson said. “You know, I think this city has been begging for some wins early and some success, and that’s what we’re trying to give.”

Along with Pierson, four other players scored in double figures for the Shock. Riquna Williams had 15 points and was one of three players to come off the bench and put in at least 10. Jordan Hooper scored 11 and this year’s first-round pick Amanda Zahui B had a career-high 10 points.

Skylar Diggins had 13 points and Courtney Paris had a game high 13 rebounds.

Jia Perkins and Sophia Young-Malcolm each put in 20 points for the Stars.

Tulsa steadily built its lead through the first half and led 45-29 at the break. The Shock are now 4-0 when leading at halftime.

Tulsa next plays on Friday in a battle on conference leaders. The Western Conference leading Shock travel to Washington to take on the Eastern Conference leading Mystics. Tip time is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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