ST. LOUIS, MO – The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UIS) charges past the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) women's basketball team in a 65-42 victory during Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) matchup.
 
"We got off to a good start in the first five minutes of the game, then struggled offensively for the remainder of the half," UIS coach Mark Kost said. "We cut the lead to five to start the third period and had multiple defensive stops but could not convert around the basket."
 
Jordan Fletcher posted a game-high 23 points, a team-high two blocks and eight rebounds for the Tritons (18-5, 12-4). She converted 11-of-17 (64.7 percent) shots from the field. Fletcher's presence in the post allowed the Tritons to finish with a 42-12 advantage in points in the paint.
 
Shelbi Patterson led the Prairie Stars (12-12, 6-10) with 11 points. Destiny Ramsey turned in eight points and three rebounds. Katelyn Rosner turned in six points and 11 rebounds while Jasmine Sangster contributed six points and four assists. Chasitee Shroyer scored five points while Lanie Hicks and Teyha Fortune rounded out the UIS scoring effort with three points each. Fortune also collected three steals.
 
Arielle Jackson notched 14 points and five assists for UMSL. Kaitlynn Henning recorded 12 points and Shawnta Johnson pulled down nine rebounds.
 
UMSL knocked down 25-of-58 (43.1 percent) shots from the floor and 3-of-13 (23.1 percent) attempts from 3-point range. UIS hit 15-of-51 (29.4 percent) attempts from the field and 4-of-8 (50 percent) shots from the perimeter.
 
The Tritions were perfect from the free-throw line, making each of their 12 attempts. UIS made 8-of-11 (72.7 percent) shots from the charity stripe.
 
Although UIS finished -1 in turnovers, the Tritons outscored the Prairie Stars 15-2 off turnovers. The Prairie Stars committed 12 turnovers and the Tritons turned the ball over 11 times.
 
UMSL outrebounded UIS by a 42-27 margin.
 
The Tritons held a 12-10 lead through one quarter and a 29-21 advantage at halftime. UMSL poured in 25 points during the third quarter to pull ahead to a 54-30 lead. UIS outscored UMSL 12-11 in the fourth quarter.
 
The Prairie Stars are currently ranked No. 10 in the GLVC Point Rating System. UIS closes out the regular season next week with two conference matchups. UIS clashes with Maryville University (7-15, 4-12) on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in TRAC. Thursday marks Senior Night which UIS will recognize Patterson, Ramsey and Reje Pitchford. The Prairie Stars conclude the week by taking on Truman State University (13-10, 8-8) at 1 p.m. in Kirksville, MO.
 
"We have two very important games next week. We will have a good week of practice and get some players healthy and back on the court."