The UIS women's basketball team defeated Truman State at TRAC on Friday night, 73-50, extending their winning streak to three games. UIS improved to 3-11 overall and 2-4 in GLVC play, while Truman State fell to 5-10 overall and 2-3 in the conference.
"It's been great to see us buy into the fact that everything starts on the defensive end," said head coach Olivia Lett. "Our team really adjusted after the second quarter, realizing we need to play our game and be ready for whatever comes our way. Matching up in transition was crucial. Tonight, Kayla Rice led the way by taking smarter shots, driving into the lane, and creating assists. The defensive havoc she and Saharra Murphy can cause is second to none."
Game Recap
- UIS built an early lead, highlighted by two three-pointers from Kayla Rice. Truman State's Jordan Cunningham was a formidable presence in the paint and led her team with 20 points by the end of the night.
- The teams were evenly matched in the first quarter, each committing 3 turnovers and shooting 50% from the field, though UIS held a 22-17 advantage.
- Truman State outscored UIS 23-16 in the second quarter, taking a two-point lead into halftime after a late steal and layup by Kayla Rice.
- Niyah Udoiwod opened the third quarter with 6 straight points, helping UIS build a double-digit lead early in the second half. The UIS defense shined in the third quarter, limiting Truman State to 2-of-14 shooting and 0-of-8 from three-point range while committing minimal turnovers.
- Truman State hit an early three-pointer in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to single digits, but UIS responded by outscoring them 19-7 in the frame. UIS extended its lead beyond 20 points late as Truman State continued to struggle with its shooting.
- Kayla Rice led UIS with 18 points, shooting 7-of-21 from the field, while Niyah Udoiwod contributed 12 points and 6 rebounds. Saharra Murphy and Diavian Mehundrew each scored 11 points, with Murphy shooting an efficient 5-of-7 from the field. Allysia McDaniel added 8 points and 8 rebounds, providing solid support in the paint.
- UIS shot 45.2% from the field and 31.6% from beyond the arc, while converting 84.6% of its free throws (11-of-13). Truman State shot 32% overall and struggled from three-point range, making just 17.4% of their attempts (4-of-23). The Bulldogs also shot 58.8% from the free-throw line (10-of-17).
UIS will host the Quincy Hawks on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. for an exciting rivalry basketball matchup.
Around the GLVC
Quincy 73, Indianapolis 54
Maryville 78, Rockhurst 54
Missouri-St. Louis 64, Southwest Baptist 47
Illinois Springfield 73, Truman State 50
McKendree 64, William Jewell 51
Drury 68, Lincoln 47
Lewis 64, Upper Iowa 62