12/16/2025 | Women’s Basketball | Box Score
Illinois Springfield women’s basketball (4-7, 1-3 GLVC) fell at Wisconsin-Parkside (5-5, 0-2 GLIAC), 81-72, after climbing out of a deep first-quarter deficit and repeatedly cutting the margin down the stretch. UIS forced 19 turnovers and scored 16 points off those opportunities but could not fully erase Parkside’s control.
The Rangers set the tone early, opening the game with efficient interior scoring and disruptive defense that disrupted the rhythm of UIS. The Rangers blocked several early Prairie Stars attempts and built a 33-18 advantage by the end of the first quarter.
UIS responded in the second quarter, finding better balance offensively and tightening defensively. Alandyn Simmons sparked the effort with pressure in the passing lanes, while Kayla Rice provided a steady scoring presence. The Prairie Stars outscored Parkside 16-13 in the period to trim the deficit, heading into halftime down 46-34.
UIS made its strongest push in the third quarter, steadily chipping away at the lead. Rice opened the half with a steal and fast-break layup, and Julia Mingus and Libby Blythe followed with timely baskets as UIS cut the margin to single digits. UIS pulled within four points twice in the quarter, but Parkside answered both times and carried a 60-54 lead into the final period.
UIS continued to apply pressure in the fourth, closing within two points on multiple occasions. Rice’s free throws early in the quarter narrowed the gap to four, and Blythe’s layup later made it a 60-58 game. After Mingus knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 66-63, the Prairie Stars were again within one possession, but the Rangers responded with timely shots down the stretch to hold off the comeback.
Rice led UIS with a career-high 29 points, converting all 10 of her free throws and hitting three three-pointers across four quarters. Freshman Libby Blythe also posted a career-best performance with 19 points and five rebounds. Mingus added 13 points and four assists, while Simmons finished with eight rebounds and two steals.
“Parkside got off to a great start,” said head coach Olivia Birt. “We adjusted well, and they were able to adjust one more time in the fourth quarter to finish out the game. We’re excited to come back home for Education Day to finish the first half of the season.”
Up Next
UIS returns home to the TRAC on Thursday for an 11:30 a.m. tipoff on Education Day.
