University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball used big second-quarter and fourth-quarter runs to earn a 74-47 Great Lakes Valley Conference home win over the University of Illinois Springfield Saturday afternoon on Homecoming at the Physical Activities Center.
After trailing by a point early in the second period, the Screaming Eagles scored 21 straight points to end the first half and build a commanding 42-22 halftime advantage.
The Prairie Stars (7-16, 4-11 GLVC) battled back in the third quarter, cutting the Eagles lead to 10 points before going into the final period facing a more manageable 53-42 deficit.
USI (17-7, 10-4 GLVC), however, responded with a 17-2 run to begin the final frame and end any chance of an Illinois Springfield comeback.
Second Quarter
USI outscored the Stars 23-5 in the second quarter. The Eagles went 9-of-12 (.750) from the field and 3-of-4 from downtown during their 21-0 run as they turned a one-point deficit into a commanding 20-point halftime advantage.
Fourth Quarter
With momentum and their 20-point halftime advantage slipping away, the Eagles used a dominating effort in the fourth period to earn the 27-point win. USI outscored the Stars, 21-5 in the final 10 minutes and were 7-of-12 (.583) from the field, 3-of-5 (.600) from three-point range, during its 17-2 run that put the game on ice
Key Stats
USI dominated the paint, outscoring the Stars 42-16 in the lane while holding a 45-36 rebounding advantage. The Eagles also held onto the ball, committing just eight turnovers, three of which were of the offensive control variety.
Statistical Leaders
Sophomore forward Imani Guy (Columbus, Indiana) finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Eagles, while sophomore guard Emma DeHart (Indianapolis, Indiana) added 16 points. Senior center Kacy Eschweiler (St. Charles, Missouri) added 11 points and six boards, while senior guard Alex Davidson (Salem, Indiana) finished with four points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
Junior center Katelyn Rosner had 10 points and nine rebounds to lead Illinois Springfield.
Up Next
USI returns to action Thursday at 5:30 p.m. when it hosts No. 11/16 Lewis University at the PAC. USI hosts the University of Indianapolis next Saturday for Senior Day and the final game in the PAC.
