The University of Illinois Springfield women's basketball team won its first game under head coach Casey Thousand in thrilling fashion. The Prairie Stars opened up the Prairie Stars Tipoff Classic, hosted by Razzo's Pizzeria, with a 76-73 overtime win over Tiffin.
 
UIS led down the stretch in regulation, but couldn't close the game at the free-throw line. That allowed Tiffin to hit a three-pointer with one second remaining to force the extra period.
 
The Dragons scored the first five points of overtime, but after a UIS free throw, Lauren Ladowski had back-to-back steals and fast-break layups to tie the game. With under two minutes remaining and the score still being tied, UIS defense forced a turnover and then Ladowski put the team ahead with a jumper at the free-throw line.
 
Tiffin tied the game at 73, and UIS missed its next shot but got the offensive rebound. Freshman Malea Jackson drew a foul with 15 seconds left and made both free throws. Tiffin came down and drove in the lane in the final seconds. Katelyn Rosner blocked the shot and then secured the rebound and the win.
 
UIS shot 43.1 percent from the field in the game, compared to 42.2 percent for Tiffin. UIS forced four more turnovers, and won the rebounding battle by a 44-41 margin.
 
Four Prairie Stars were in double-figures, led by Ladowski with 18 points. Tehya Fortune had 13, Jackson finished with 12, and Jasmine Sangster had 10. Makenna Fee and Ladowski both had team-high seven rebounds. Grace Weber led the team with four assists, Ladowski had five steals, and Rosner blocked five shot attempts.
 
UIS will conclude play at its Tipoff Classic on Saturday with a 5:30 p.m. game against Purdue Northwest.