The UIS women's basketball team fell to Indianapolis in a hard-fought overtime battle, dropping to a 8-16 overall record and 6-10 in GLVC play with a narrow 80-78 loss. UIndy improved to 5-19 overall and 4-12 in conference action.
Game Recap
- The Prairie Stars opened the game with a strong offensive push as Emari Doby knocked down a three-pointer to ignite a 7-0 run. UIndy responded with a balanced scoring effort to pull within two at 11-9, but UIS swung the momentum back in its favor, closing the first quarter with a 19-13 lead.
- The Greyhounds continued to press in the second quarter, twice cutting the deficit to a single point. However, UIS maintained control, steadily chipping away until UIndy tied the game with a layup and briefly took the lead on a free throw. Niyah Udoiwod helped UIS reclaim control with a jumper, playing a key role in the Prairie Stars' offensive effort.
- UIS held a 36-32 halftime lead, with Udoiwod and Kayla Rice both tallying nine points. UIndy struggled from deep, going 0-for-5 from three-point range, while UIS shot 22.2% from beyond the arc (2-for-9) and 33.3% overall.
- Defensively, UIS continued to limit UIndy's perimeter shooting well into the third quarter while starting the period up by eight points. However, the Greyhounds chipped away at the lead, eventually making it a one-point game late in regulation. UIS held a 66-63 advantage with a minute remaining, bolstered by a Kayla Rice free throw, but repeated stoppages allowed UIndy to pull within three with 16 seconds left. The Greyhounds then beat the buzzer to force overtime at 68-all.
- In the extra period, DD Mehundrew converted a layup to put UIS at 70 points, but scoring stalled on both sides. UIndy tied the game at 70-70 with 2:30 to play as both teams stayed disciplined to avoid fouling. Rice briefly gave UIS a two-point lead at the line before UIndy responded, eventually pulling ahead 78-76 on free throws. In the final stretch, UIndy capitalized at the line, making 6-of-8 free throws, while UIS remained perfect at 6-of-6. Ultimately, UIndy edged UIS by one more field goal, outscoring the Prairie Stars 12-10 in overtime to claim the victory.
- UIS was led by Kayla Rice and Emari Doby, who each scored 22 points. Rice was efficient at the free-throw line, making 12-of-16 attempts, while Doby hit three shots from beyond the arc. Niyah Udoiwod added 12 points on 6-for-10 shooting, and Allysia McDaniel led the team on the boards with nine rebounds while contributing eight points. UIS forced 27 turnovers and scored 27 points off UIndy's mistakes but fell just short in overtime.
After a break this Saturday, UIS will hit the road next weekend for matchups against Upper Iowa and Lewis.
Around the GLVC
Indianapolis 80, Illinois Springifield 78
Upper Iowa 54, Maryville 52
Truman State 78, Lincoln 42
Lewis 56, McKendree 51
Missouri S&T 71, William Jewell 64
Quincy 64, Missouri-St. Louis 58
Drury 73, Rockhurst 46