The Illinois Springfield women's basketball team came up just short in a thrilling game against Southwest Baptist, falling 81-78 in Bolivar, Mo., on Thursday night. The game was led by Kayla Rice, who dropped a career-high 28 points, with Niyah Udoiwod chipping in 21, nearing her personal best.

Game Recap 

• UIS missed its first two shots, though Saharra Murphy eventually broke through with a three-pointer to get the Prairie Stars on the scoreboard and trim SBU's early lead to 4-3.
• SBU maintained a steady lead, shooting efficiently in the opening period and going up by as many as nine points. UIS stayed in the game by frequently getting to the free-throw line, converting 10 of 11 attempts in the first quarter to narrow the deficit to just one point, trailing 21-20.
• Midway through the second quarter, Emari Doby gave UIS their first lead on a layup, making it 34-32. The Prairie Stars surged before the halftime break, outscoring SBU 26-18 in the second quarter to take control of the game, going into halftime with momentum on their side.
• The second half started with SBU making an aggressive run, regaining the lead and extending it to ten points midway through the third quarter with a dominant 22-4 stretch. UIS struggled during this period, converting only 2 of their 7 free-throw attempts in the quarter and facing difficulties from SBU's four blocks.
• Entering the final quarter, UIS trailed 72-61 but was determined to mount a comeback. The Prairie Stars cut the lead to five points with plenty of time remaining, setting up an intense finish.
• UIS put together a 14-2 run to tie the game at 75-75, during which Kayla Rice fouled out with a career-high 28 points. However, after an SBU player missed both free throws, the Bearcats secured the rebound and converted a layup to go back up by five. Niyah Udoiwod responded with a three-point play to bring UIS within two points, but SBU managed to hold on for the win.
• UIS shot 38.7% from the field and 32.0% from three-point range, while SBU shot 43.8% from the field and 35.0% from beyond the arc. Free throws were a significant factor, with UIS converting 20 of 28 attempts but failing to convert in crucial moments during the third quarter.

Up Next
The Prairie Stars will travel to Kansas City, Mo., on Saturday for a noon matchup against the Rockhurst Hawks.

Around the GLVC
Southwest Baptist 81, Illinois Springfield 78
Indianapolis 63, Rockhurst 60
Upper Iowa 88, Truman Sttate 77
Lewis 74, William Jewell 65
Maryville 72, Missouri S&T 57
Missouri-St. Louis 78, Lincoln 53
Drury 77, McKendree 66