The game began with Illinois Springfield struggling to maintain possession, committing turnovers that allowed Indianapolis to capitalize early. An early Kayla Rice jumper was a bright spot, though the Prairie Stars faced continued pressure. The Greyhounds took advantage with a strong offensive showing, including a series of layups and a pair of three-pointers. UIS trailed by as many as 16 points and closed the first quarter down 26-7.
Illinois Springfield sparked a late surge in the second quarter as Kennedy Osterman scored seven consecutive points, beginning with a fast-break layup at 3:37. Osterman added a three-pointer at 2:42, assisted by Allison Wheeler, to cut into the deficit. Despite Indianapolis continuing to score in the paint, the Prairie Stars finished the half strong and went into the break trailing 36-18.
The Prairie Stars seized momentum in the third quarter with a dominant 24-5 run. Molly Knightopened the rally with a three-pointer at 7:38, assisted by Makenna Yeager, as UIS cut the deficit to single digits. Alandyn Simmons followed with a layup at 6:06 off an assist from Osterman.
Osterman gave the Prairie Stars their first lead of the game with a three-pointer at 1:03 after a steal by Allysia McDaniel. UIS forced 11 turnovers in the quarter and limited the Greyhounds to two field goals, taking a 42-41 lead into the fourth after a Kennedy Osterman three.
Illinois Springfield took control early in the final quarter as McDaniel scored on a layup at 8:56, assisted by Knight. A three-pointer from Julia Mingus at 7:32, with an assist from Paula Strzelecki, extended the lead. Rice added a layup at 5:17 to make it 50-43, and Osterman followed with another basket at 4:50. Despite a late push by Indianapolis, the Prairie Stars held on behind steady defense and free throws from Rice to secure the win.
Osterman led UIS with 19 points, knocking down three three-pointers and grabbing five rebounds. Rice finished with 12 points and two steals. Mingus added seven points, two three-pointers and two steals, while Wheeler chipped in four points and three steals.
“We came out in the second half and fought and found a way to get a gutsy win,” said head coach Olivia Birt. Illinois Springfield is now 5-8 overall and 2-3 in GLVC play. Indianapolis falls to 1-11 overall and 0-4 in conference action.
Up Next
UIS will hit the road next week, traveling to Quincy on Thursday before visiting Truman State on Saturday.
