USI begins homestand with win over IU Southeast

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball started its three-game homestand Friday night at Liberty Arena with an 88-41 victory over Indiana University Southeast.

Southern Indiana (3-1) jumped out to a quick lead Friday, and sophomore guard Triniti Ralston picked up where she left off from Tuesday’s road win at Murray State University. Ralston canned a three-pointer just over a minute into the game and shortly followed with a layup to give USI an early 10-0 advantage. The Screaming Eagles’ forwards also had an active presence in the first period, helping push USI ahead 16-0 before IU Southeast (0-3) scored its first points at the 4:24 mark of the first. The Eagles went on to take a 21-6 lead into the second quarter.

At the start of the second quarter, sophomore forward Chloe Gannon saw her first minutes of the season returning from injury. Gannon quickly recorded a layup two minutes into the second stanza. In the middle of the second, graduate forward Meredith Raley scored eight consecutive points for Southern Indiana to increase the Eagles’ lead to 40-11 with 2:28 until halftime. The Screaming Eagles went into the intermission in front, 47-15, as Raley had 10 first-half points and Ralston tallied nine in the first 20 minutes following a last-second layup to conclude the second frame.

Ralston continued to leave her mark in the contest by knocking down a pair of triples in the first three minutes of the second half, building Southern Indiana’s lead to 58-17. The Grenadiers tallied 14 points in the final four minutes of the third quarter, but the Screaming Eagles answered with made baskets of their own to maintain its large lead, 72-31, heading to the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Southern Indiana’s freshman guard Lexi Sepulveda made a charge with eight points in the quarter to reach double figures for the first time in a USI uniform, as the Screaming Eagles closed out the big win.

USI shot for over 57 percent (35-61) with six three-pointers and went 12-16 for 75 percent at the foul line. Southern Indiana outrebounded IU Southeast, 44-21, and had big advantages in points off turnovers, 34-5, and points in the paint, 50-14. Every player found the scoring column for USI Friday night. Ralston topped the squad for the second consecutive outing with 19 points. Raley totaled 13 points and Sepulveda recorded 12 points.

IU Southeast was 14-49 for just under 29 percent from the floor with five treys. The Grenadiers were 8-11 for nearly 73 percent at the free-throw line. Sophomore guard Grace Stapleton was the only Grenadier in double digits with 13 points.

The Screaming Eagles make a quick return to the court at Liberty Arena on Sunday afternoon when USI hosts Saint Louis University at 2 p.m.

On Sunday, fans should arrive early for pregame ceremonies and banner unveilings celebrating the 2023-24 season. Additionally, USI Housing and Residence Life will host a pregame tailgate with food and activities in partnership with Archie’s Army. At halftime, USI Athletics will recognize its teams and student-athletes academic achievements in 2023-24.

Tickets for all home games at Liberty Arena can be purchased online at usiscreamingeagles.com or the USI Ticket Office.