The Illinois Springfield women's basketball team put together a strong first half but ultimately fell 81-73 to Tiffin on Saturday at the Midwest Region Crossover in Hillsdale, Mich. UIS forced 22 turnovers and turned them into 18 points, and four Prairie Stars reached double figures in the effort.

UIS opened the game with energy on both ends, capitalizing immediately on a Tiffin turnover as Allysia McDaniel scored the first basket. Kayla Rice knocked down a three just after, assisted by Kennedy Osterman, and UIS continued to push the pace with a fast-break score from Osterman midway through the quarter. Behind efficient three-point shooting, the Prairie Stars built an early 18-9 advantage.

Libby Blythe added a jumper and a three in consecutive UIS possessions to help extend the lead, and Julia Mingus converted a transition layup as UIS closed the first quarter ahead 24-15.

The Prairie Stars stayed hot from deep in the second frame, with Rice and Mingus connecting on key three-pointers. Despite entering foul trouble, Foul trouble was worth noting in the second quarter, but UIS maintained its edge thanks in part to a perfect 10-for-10 start at the free-throw line and entered halftime leading 44-39 after sinking eight shots from long range.

Kennedy Osterman set the tone defensively with a steal to start the third, followed shortly by her jumper and a Libby Blythe three assisted by Rice that pushed the UIS lead to 51-44 at the 7:15 mark. Tiffin slowly chipped away and briefly took the lead, but Osterman's finish at the rim sent the game into the fourth quarter tied 60-60.

UIS opened the fourth with a quick surge behind Blythe's jumper and a layup in the paint for a 64-60 lead. Tiffin responded and moved back in front, but a timely three from Mingus at 1:24 kept UIS within reach. The Prairie Stars were unable to overcome turnovers down the stretch, and Tiffin closed the game at the free-throw line to hand UIS the 81-73 loss.

Rice led UIS with 20 points, hitting five three-pointers and adding three assists. Mingus and Osterman each scored 15, with Mingus going 4-for-4 at the line and Osterman collecting three steals. Blythe finished with 12 points, including two makes from beyond the arc.

UIS moves to 0-2 on the season. The Prairie Stars play Purdue Northwest on the road Tuesday evening, then open the home slate at TRAC next Saturday. 

"We're still learning how to win," said Head Coach Olivia Birt. "We need to figure out how to play 40 minutes on both ends of the floor and finish plays. Our inexperience showed at times."