The Prairie Stars opened the game with energy, establishing an early lead on Kayla Rice’s three-pointer at 9:13. Their presence in the paint set the tone, as they scored 14 inside points, with Molly Knight and Alandyn Simmons finishing key layups. Kennedy Osterman added a pair pf three-pointers, including one at 1:15, and UIS closed the quarter ahead 25-9.
UIS extended its advantage in the second quarter, beginning with Libby Blythe’s three-pointer at 8:48. Simmons continued her strong play with a layup at 7:09 and a jumper at 6:15. Roosevelt attempted to respond with free throws and a late three-pointer, but the Prairie Stars stayed in control. Rice connected on a three at 1:08 and added a basket at 0:36, and Julia Mingus capped the half with a fast-break layup as UIS took a 51-31 lead into halftime.
The third quarter was more competitive, though the Prairie Stars maintained their cushion. Rice knocked down a three-pointer at 7:11 and UIS remained steady at the free-throw line. Roosevelt chipped away with points in the paint and a three-pointer from Aubrey Leonard, but Osterman’s free throws helped UIS preserve a 69-55 lead heading into the final quarter.
UIS closed out the game in the fourth quarter, holding off any Roosevelt comeback attempts. Simmons delivered key layups, and Rice added timely free throws down the stretch. Solid defensive stops and efficient offense sealed the Prairie Stars’ 87-76 victory.
Rice led all scorers with 22 points, including four three-pointers, to go along with three steals and three assists. Osterman finished with 20 points, three three-pointers, and six rebounds while going 7-for-8 at the free-throw line. Knight added 12 points and seven rebounds, and Simmons recorded 15 points on 7-for-9 shooting with seven rebounds.
“Roosevelt is a scrappy team and we knew that going in,” said head coach Olivia Birt. “We had different players step up at different times, it was a nice team win to start the week.”
Up Next
UIS heads to Kenosha, Wis., to face Parkside on Tuesday night at 5:00 p.m. The Prairie Stars return to TRAC on Thursday, the 18th, for an 11:30 a.m. Education Day game.
