HILLSDALE, MI --- Coming off a win on opening day, the Prairie Stars fell to Hillsdale College 72-70 in the final seconds of the game to close out the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge. Illinois Springfield (1-1) held a 34-28 lead at the half over the host school, Hillsdale (2-0) but a last second layup from the Chargers thwarted the Prairie Stars chance at starting the season 2-0.

Shelbi Patterson led the way with 16 points for UIS and added four rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Tehya Fortune added 15 points on a stellar 5-for-6 mark from the field, all of which came from behind the arc. She added two rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block while committing just one turnover.

UIS trailed 12-10 after the first quarter but broke out in the second quarter, scoring 24 points to take a six point halftime lead. The Prairie Stars shot nearly 62 percent in the first half including making six three's for a 65 percent mark to take the lead after 20 minutes.

In the second half, UIS continued to shoot well, making five more from deep, including three from Fortune alone. Hillsdale though, went to the line 16 times, making 12 of those attempts, and was able to edge out the Prairie Stars in the final 20 minutes.

The Chargers began the final quarter with a 6-0 run to take a 53-49 lead and then led by as many as nine with 4:52 remaining in the game. Back-to-back three pointers from Fortune and Jasmine Sangster helped cut the deficit to five and then with 28 seconds remaining, Fortune hit her fifth three pointer of the night to tie the game at 70 to complete the comeback.

UIS had a chance to win it after forcing a turnover with 13 seconds remaining, but a missed jumper from Patterson gave the Chargers the final look, which they converted on an offensive rebound, winning 72-70.

The Prairie Stars will return to the court on Wednesday to face off against intercity opponent Robert Morris at 5:30 pm. This will serve as the Prairie Stars home opener for the 2016-17 season.