The Illinois Springfield women's basketball team secured a 67-58 victory over the Indianapolis Greyhounds on Sunday afternoon at Nicoson Hall in Indianapolis. This victory improves UIS to 2-10 overall and 1-4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), while UIndy falls to 2-11 overall and 0-5 in GLVC play.
Game Recap
- UIS struck first and displayed solid defense in the early minutes. UIndy's Patricia Chikamba was a dominant force early, scoring eight of the Greyhounds' first 10 points. The Prairie Stars utilized the three-point shot to keep pace with the Greyhounds as the tempo increased toward the end of the first quarter. The first quarter concluded with a made free throw by UIndy, tying the game at 19 points each.
- Late in the second quarter, UIS seized the game's first lead of five points. UIndy responded with a three-pointer to cut into the lead. UIS continued to push the pace, capitalizing on transition opportunities.
- By halftime, the Prairie Stars held a three-point advantage, 37-34, despite both teams shooting 50% from the field. UIndy led in rebounds, 15-12, but UIS forced seven steals and scored 17 points off turnovers compared to UIndy's seven.
- The third quarter saw UIS extend its lead to double digits for the first time, as UIndy faced shooting struggles and committed six turnovers. UIS held a 54-40 lead with a quarter to play.
- The Prairie Stars maintained a double-digit lead despite the Greyhounds gaining momentum and benefiting from favorable calls, with Kayla Rice hitting a crucial three-pointer. UIndy answered with a three of its own, trimming the deficit to seven points with 3:30 left to play. However, UIS held off the comeback attempt to secure its first conference win of the season.
- Kayla Rice led UIS with 20 points, shooting 6-of-21 from the field and 3-of-11 from three-point range. Allysia McDaniel posted a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds, while Emari Doby added 11 points. As a team, UIS shot 41.5% from the field, 36.8% from beyond the arc, and 84.2% from the free-throw line.
- UIndy shot 41.1% from the field but struggled from three-point range, hitting just 18.2% of its attempts.UIndy
The Prairie Stars will look to build on this momentum as they continue their conference schedule. UIS will return home to host Truman State on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
GLVC Results