The University of Illinois Springfield women's basketball team overcame a 17-point deficit in order to force overtime on Wednesday night at TRAC. The Prairie Stars couldn't pull out the victory though as Missouri Western prevailed by an 84-77 score.
 
The Prairie Stars started out slow offensively and trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half at 34-17, and they were down 38-24 at halftime.
 
The deficit remained in double-digits for much of the third quarter, and UIS trailed 58-48 with 9:20 remaining in the game. The Prairie Stars defense did not allow a point for nearly five minutes, allowing the team to get with three points. UIS then went on a 7-0 run in the final 3:15 of the game, which forced an extra period with the two teams tied at 64.
 
UIS grabbed its first lead at 68-66 in overtime, and it still led 73-71 with 2:13 remaining. A three-pointer by Missouri Western though on the next possession gave the Griffons the lead for good, as it sparked a 9-0 run that decided the game.
 
UIS shot 37.7 percent from the field, compared to 41.7 percent for Missouri Western. The Prairie Stars had 40 free-throw attempts, and made 24, while Missouri Western made 17-of-26. UIS won the rebounding battle 46-40, but Missouri Western had a +8 turnover margin.
 
UIS's Jasmine Sangster and Lauren Ladowski combined for 45 points. Sangster finished with 23 after making seven-of-12 from the field, and six-of-six from the free-throw line. Ladowski had 22, including six-of-nine shooting from the field. Myka Roth and Katelyn Rosner each had a team-high seven rebounds. Ladowski had four assists, and Airiana Smith had a pair of steals.
 
UIS falls to 5-4 on the season, and it ends its non-conference season with a 5-3 record. The Prairie Stars are off until they resume GLVC play with a Jan. 2 road game at Bellarmine.