University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball’s rally from an 11-point deficit was foiled Tuesday night as host Lincoln Memorial University pinned an 81-73 setback on the No. 8 Screaming Eagles.
USI (9-1), which led by as many as nine points in the first quarter and 38-37 at the break, roared back from a 62-51 spot early in the fourth quarter to tie the contest at 67-67 with just over five minutes to go in the game.
Lincoln Memorial (6-5), however, answered with an 11-3 run to put the Eagles in a hole they could not dig out of.
Junior forward Kacy Eschweiler (St. Charles, Missouri) led the Eagles with 21 points, while senior guard/forward Kaydie Grooms (Marshall, Illinois) chipped in 16 points and four assists. Junior guard Alex Davidson (Salem, Indiana) added a career-high 13 points, while senior forward Morgan Dahlstrom (Grayslake, Illinois) contributed 10 points and eight rebounds.
USI, which lost the rebounding battle, 45-28, also got six assists and three steals from senior guard Randa Harshbarger (Philo, Illinois).
Lincoln Memorial (6-5) scored 81 points despite committing 26 turnovers, thanks partly to eight three-pointers and a 19-of-27 effort from the free throw line. Senior guard Shea Coker and freshman forward Qua Hines each had 16 points to pace the Railsplitters.
The Eagles, who were whistled for 26 fouls, return to action December 31 at 3:15 p.m. when they host NAIA opponent Grace College.
