The UIS women's basketball team is on the road again this weekend, with games at Maryville on Thursday at 5:15 p.m. and at McKendree on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Illinois Springfield (0-6, 0-2 GLVC)
The Prairie Stars are still searching for their first win of the season, coming close in a tough battle against William Jewell on Monday night. After trailing 24-15 in the first quarter, UIS stayed in the game by forcing turnovers and narrowing the gap to 38-30 at halftime. In the fourth quarter, Kayla Rice scored five quick points to give the Stars their first lead at 52-50. The teams exchanged baskets until Jewell went on a run to extend their lead, ultimately securing a 74-68 victory.
UIS averages 64.5 points per game on 41.7% shooting from the field and 28.7% from three. The team also averages 33.2 rebounds, 10.3 assists, and 9.8 steals per game, with a 70.0% free-throw shooting percentage. Kayla Rice leads the team with 15.8 points per game, while Diavian Mehundrew adds 15.2 ppg and Emari Doby contributes 13.8 ppg.
Maryville (1-6, 0-2 GLVC)
Maryville faced off against UMSL on Monday night in a "Battle for St. Louis." The Saints showed strong defense in the first half, with Adylan Ayer posting a career-high performance. They led 32-29 at the break, but the second half saw a complete turnaround. UMSL started the third quarter on a 12-1 run, seizing control of the game. The Tritons outscored Maryville 24-8 in the third quarter, building a commanding lead. Maryville's cold shooting continued into the fourth, allowing UMSL to extend their advantage. The Tritons completed the comeback victory in impressive fashion, winning 75-53 behind a dominant second half.
Maryville currently averages 64.9 points per game, shooting 34.7% from the field and 26.3% from three. The Saints also average 39.7 rebounds, 14.0 assists, and 7.3 steals per game, with a team free-throw percentage of 67.9%. Gracie Stugart leads the Saints with 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Dylan Ayer averages 10.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, while Claire Rake contributes 9.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.
McKendree (6-0, 2-0 GLVC)
McKendree maintained their perfect start to the season on Monday with a hard-fought victory over Rockhurst. The first half was tightly contested, with McKendree edging out Rockhurst in the first quarter, but the Hawks took a slim lead into the break after a strong second quarter. The Bearcats came out of halftime with momentum, opening the third quarter on a 14-0 run to take control. However, Rockhurst responded with a 10-1 run of their own, setting up an exciting fourth quarter. Both teams exchanged baskets down the stretch, with Rockhurst taking the lead with 3:30 left in the game. McKendree held their composure, sealing the victory at the free-throw line, shooting 9-for-10 from the stripe to secure a 66-61 win on the road.
McKendree currently averages 85.0 points per game, shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.9% from three. The Bearcats also average 41.5 rebounds, 16.7 assists, and 11.3 steals per game, with a team free-throw percentage of 78.5%. Baylie Parks leads the Bearcats with 16.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Clare Breden is averaging 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
Women's Basketball Schedule
Women's Basketball Stats
GLVC Women's Basketball Standings