Eagles women’s Basketball advance into the Super 16 of the WNIT

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball grinded out a 60-51 victory against Campbell University in the second round of the 2025 Postseason Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) at Liberty Arena, home of the Screaming Eagles, on Sunday night.

With the win, USI advanced to the Super 16 of the WNIT, which is powered by Triple Crown Sports. Following Sunday’s game, the Screaming Eagles learned they will host the University of Buffalo on Thursday at 6 p.m. from Liberty Arena.

Southern Indiana (23-12, 12-8 OVC), which was awarded a first-round bye, welcomed the Campbell Fighting Camels (22-13, 12-6 CAA) for the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Campbell captured a 57-55 victory in the first round over Coastal Carolina University to advance to Sunday’s matchup with the Screaming Eagles.

Southern Indiana grabbed an early four-point lead two and a half minutes into the contest, but Campbell connected on a couple of threes to keep pace with the Screaming Eagles. The Fighting Camels converted at the line late in the first to lead 15-12 before USI’s sophomore forward Chloe Gannon hit a layup in the final seconds to make it a one-point game, 15-14, going to the second period. Defenses made good looks hard to find in the opening quarter, as both sides shot below 35 percent from the floor to begin the game.

Junior guard Ali Saunders got USI rolling to start the second quarter, cashing in two free throws and a straightaway three to propel the Screaming Eagles ahead by four again, 19-15. The game remained close through most of the second period. USI went 6-6 at the foul line in the second to help stay ahead, and a trey by graduate forward Meredith Raley gave the Eagles a 28-22 advantage with two minutes left in the first half. However, Campbell answered with a three to bring USI’s lead down to 28-25 entering halftime.

Out of the intermission, Raley got a quick basket to extend USI’s lead to five, but once again, the Camels had an answer with a three-pointer. The defensive slugfest continued into the middle of the third. With Southern Indiana leading 32-29, Campbell drained another triple to tie the game at the midway point of the third quarter. The USI post players made a big impact late in the period, as the combination of Gannon and graduate forward Madi Webb led to three field goals down the stretch of the third. Southern Indiana led 40-35 heading to the fourth quarter.

Nearly four minutes into the fourth quarter, senior guard Vanessa Shafford swished in a three that erupted the crowd and gave Southern Indiana an eight-point advantage, 45-37. However, a pair of threes by Campbell over the next two minutes got the Camels back within two, 45-43. The Screaming Eagles responded with a basket by Webb and another by Raley off of two steals. Inside the 2:30 mark, Raley made a layup and a three from the top of the arc to push USI’s lead up to nine, 54-45. Although the Camels continued to fight, Southern Indiana knocked down its free throws in the last seconds to secure the second-round win.

Tough defenses kept the shooting percentage below 35 percent by the end of the game. Southern Indiana shot 33 percent (18-54) from the floor and 26 percent (5-19) from three. USI took advantage of trips at the free-throw line shooting 95 percent (19-20). After falling behind early in the battle on the glass, the Eagles came back to tie Campbell at 39 on the boards.

Individually, Raley led the Screaming Eagles with 20 points and added seven rebounds. For Raley, it was her third 20-point effort in the last four outings going back to USI’s run in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. Webb also finished in double figures with 13 points.

Campbell was held to below 32 percent shooting (18-57) but netted 30 percent (10-33) from outside the perimeter. The Camels were 5-8 for 62.5 percent at the charity stripe. Senior forward Courtney Dahlquist led the Camels and matched a game high with 20 points.

Tickets to Thursday’s game will be on sale at usiscreamingeagles.com and through the USI Ticket Office inside Liberty Arena. Fans can also call (812) 465-1189 for tickets.

Thursday’s game can be seen live with a subscription to ESPN+. 95.7 FM The Spin and 97.7 FM WREF will have radio coverage.

Fans can follow the 2025 Postseason WNIT through X/Twitter (@WomensNIT), Facebook (womensNIT), and the hashtag #WNIT.

Stay tuned to usiscreamingeagles.com and @USIAthletics on social media for more information.