McKendree (8-9, 4-6 GLVC), however, hit one of its seven three-pointers to cut the Eagles lead to 58-48 heading into the final period; then outscored USI 7-2 throughout the first four minutes of the fourth quarter to trim the Eagles’ lead to just five.
The Eagles, though, scored the next seven points to, once again, extend their advantage to double-digits (67-55) with just over three minutes to play. USI, in fact, held the Bearcats to just one field goal throughout the final seven minutes of the contest to eliminate any chance of a McKendree upset.
In addition to Grooms, USI got 14 points and eight rebounds from junior forward Kacy Eschweiler (St. Charles, Missouri) as well as 12 points and 11 rebounds from senior forward Morgan Dahlstrom (Grayslake, Illinois). Senior guard Randa Harshbarger (Philo, Illinois) added 10 points and five assists, while sophomore guard/forward Morgan Sherwood (Charleston, Illinois) contributed 10 points.
Sherwood had nine points in the opening half to help keep the Eagles afloat. USI, which saw a 10-2 lead evaporate, survived early foul trouble and turnovers to build a 24-20 lead after the opening period and a 40-39 lead at the half.
Both Grooms and Harshbarger each were whistled for a pair of fouls in the first 10 minutes as the Eagles committed eight of their 20 offensive miscues in the first quarter. Four more players, including Eschweiler, joined Grooms and Harshbarger with two fouls prior to the intermission.
The Bearcats took advantage of the situation as they went 13-of-32 (.406) from the field in the opening half, including 5-of-12 (.417) from behind the arc.
USI overcame their early struggles by outrebounding the Bearcats 46-37 and outscoring McKendree 34-22 in the paint.
The Eagles return to action Thursday at 5:30 p.m. when they host Maryville University for their Play4Kay game at the Physical Activities Center. USI encourages all fans to join it in pink attire to help raise breast cancer awareness.
Notes: Dahlstrom has had a double-double in three straight games and five of her last six contests…today’s game marked the second time this season USI has had five players finish with at least 10 points (USI had five players in double-figures in its November 16 win over Ohio Dominican University)…the Eagles are averaging 46.3 rebounds per game and a plus 9.7 rebounding margin in its last three games while holding each opponent to less than 33.3 percent shooting.
