UIS basketball returns home for games against McKendree and Maryville, with Thursday night's matchup celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day. UIS baseball opens its season with a four-game series at Tusculum, playing Friday through Sunday. Softball heads to Bentonville, Ark., for the Alvy Early Memorial Classic, competing in doubleheaders on both Friday and Saturday. The men's and women's tennis teams are off this weekend, while track & field travels to Chicago for the Lewis Invite on Friday night.
Thursday, Feb. 6
5:30 PM – Women's Basketball vs. McKendree
Illinois Springfield (5-16, 4-9 GLVC) hosts McKendree (11-8, 7-6 GLVC) in a key league matchup. UIS is coming off a heartbreaking 49-48 loss to UMSL but rebounded with a 53-44 win over Lincoln. The Bearcats are on a three-game losing streak, struggling with reduced scoring production. McKendree leads the all-time series 36-14 since 1995-96. In the first release of the GLVC Women's Basketball Point Rating System (PRS), McKendree ranked 8th, while UIS was 11th.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day Celebration – Celebrated nationally on February 5, NGWSD inspires girls and women to participate in sports and realize their full potential. Join us Thursday night for special activities, a group photo, and chances to win prizes!
7:30 PM – Men's Basketball vs. McKendree
UIS takes on McKendree (10-10, 7-6 GLVC) in a conference showdown. The Prairie Stars are looking to bounce back after road losses to UMSL and Lincoln. McKendree won both of its weekend games, including a 78-76 overtime victory over Maryville and a 68-66 win against UMSL. The Bearcats lead the all-time series 17-16 since 2006 and won both regular-season matchups last year. McKendree ranks 6th in the GLVC Men's Basketball PRS, while UIS sits in 10th.
#WeAreStars Game – This special men's basketball home game is a #WeAreStars event, where UIS student-athletes and athletics staff come together to show their school spirit and support a fellow team. It's an opportunity to unite as one athletic family, build camaraderie, and bring pride and energy to the stands as we cheer on our Stars in competition!
Friday, Feb. 7
11:00 AM – Softball vs. Central Missouri
UIS softball (3-1) heads to Arkansas for the Alvy Early Memorial Classic, hosted by Arkansas-Monticello. The Prairie Stars picked up wins against Cedarville, Ohio Dominican, and Ashland last weekend but fell to No. 17 Trevecca in extra innings, 2-1. Central Missouri opens its season against UIS and leads the all-time series 6-1.
1:30 PM – Softball vs. Northwest Missouri State
UIS faces Northwest Missouri State (2-3), a team that started the season with two losses before bouncing back with a win over Missouri S&T and a split against Henderson State. The Bearcats hold a 6-3 all-time advantage over UIS, though the Prairie Stars won their last tournament meeting in 2022, 9-1.
2:00 PM CT (3:00 PM ET) – Baseball at Tusculum
UIS opens the 2025 baseball season on the road in Greeneville, Tenn., facing the Tusculum Pioneers (0-3). Tusculum was swept in its opening weekend, starting strong with six shutout innings in a 5-2 loss before falling in the next two games, 14-1 and 11-5. The Prairie Stars will look to take advantage as they begin their campaign. Live stats will be available online, and the games will be streamed on FloSports (subscription required).
4:00 PM – Track & Field at Lewis Invite
UIS track & field heads to Gately Park in Chicago for a meet hosted by conference opponent Lewis. The team was off last week but still holds three GLVC top-10 marks on the women's side and five on the men's side.
Saturday, Feb. 8
11:00 AM – Softball vs. Washburn
UIS takes on Washburn (3-2) at the Alvy Early Memorial Classic. The Ichabods won three of five games last weekend, including a victory over No. 12 Mississippi College. UIS and Washburn split two games in 2014, then Washburn won 3-0 in their last tournament meeting in 2023.
12:00 PM & 3:00 PM CT (1:00 PM & 4:00 PM ET) – Baseball at Tusculum
UIS plays a Saturday doubleheader as part of its four-game series against Tusculum.
1:00 PM – Women's Basketball vs. Maryville
UIS welcomes Maryville (9-11, 7-5 GLVC) to TRAC. The Saints defeated McKendree 69-65 last Thursday and had Saturday off. Maryville won 79-58 against UIS in December and leads the all-time series 15-7. The Saints debuted 5th in the GLVC PRS over the weekend.
1:30 PM – Softball vs. Missouri Southern
UIS closes out its tournament weekend against Missouri Southern (5-1), which had a strong start at the Branson Leadoff Classic, including a 14-13, 11-inning win over No. 20 Southern Nazarene. UIS leads the all-time series 6-5 and won their last two matchups, 3-2 in 2023 and 9-0 in 2024.
3:00 PM – Men's Basketball vs. Maryville
UIS faces Maryville (7-13, 3-9 GLVC) in a Saturday GLVC matchup. The Prairie Stars defeated the Saints 78-71 in December. Maryville, currently on a four-game losing streak, fell to McKendree 78-76 last Thursday. The Saints hold a narrow 10-9 all-time series lead. They are tied for 13th in the GLVC PRS rankings.
Fall Sports Recognition – Standout Prairie Stars from fall sports, including soccer, volleyball, and cross country, who earned postseason honors in their respective sports, will be recognized at halftime.
Sunday, Feb. 9
11:00 AM CT (12:00 PM ET) – Baseball at Tusculum
UIS and Tusculum wrap up their four-game series with a Sunday finale.