The University of Illinois Springfield women's basketball team achieved its best start in school on Thursday night at TRAC. The Prairie Stars defeated Lincoln in their home opener by an 82-48 score.
 
UIS scored its most points in a non-overtime game since the 2019-20 season against the Blue Tigers. The Prairie Stars shot 47.6 percent from the field, including nine-of-20 from three-point range. UIS also made 13-of-15 free throws, and only turned the ball over 14 times.
 
UIS shot 50 percent in the first half as it jumped out to a 44-24 lead. After the two teams played nearly even in the third quarter, the Prairie Stars outscored Lincoln 21-8 in the fourth quarter to win by over 30.
 
Malea Jackson hit five three-pointers in the game and finished with a team-high 21 points. Lauren Ladowski collected 13 points, and Ellie Mitchell was in double-figures with 11. Six other players had at least five points on the night.
 
Ally Gietzel had a team-high eight rebounds, helping the Prairie Stars outrebound the Blue Tigers by a 45-28 margin. Jackson and Kourtland Tyus both had a team-high three assists, and Ladowski led the team with a pair of steals.
 
UIS improves to 4-0 for the first time in program history. The Prairie Stars are in action again on Monday evening at Missouri Western.