Illinois Springfield women's basketball defeated St. Francis (IL), 76-56, behind a strong defensive effort that forced 26 turnovers and turned them into 27 points. The win marked the Prairie Stars' first home victory of the season.

UIS established an early rhythm with sharp ball movement and defensive pressure. Kennedy Osterman opened the scoring with a jumper assisted by Allysia McDaniel at 9:30, and steady contributions from Paula Strzelecki and Kayla Rice kept the offense moving. UIS outrebounded St. Francis 10–6 in the opening period, including a 7–2 advantage on the offensive glass, and used those opportunities to build and sustain momentum, taking a 21-14 lead after the first quarter.

The Prairie Stars opened the second quarter with three made free throws from Julia Mingus, extending the advantage. After a few empty possessions, a key three-pointer from Osterman sparked momentum. UIS continued to disrupt the Fighting Saints offensively, limiting their opportunities and taking a 35-27 lead into halftime.

UIS broke the game open in the third quarter with a burst of perimeter scoring. Osterman knocked down three threes in the period, and Rice added another early in the quarter. St. Francis stayed competitive inside, but UIS continued to limit second-chance opportunities and widened its lead to 56-38 entering the fourth.

The Stars maintained full control in the final period. Osterman answered an early St. Francis three with a layup, and Mingus followed with a three and two free throws. Rice delivered back-to-back threes late in the quarter, both set up by Strzelecki, and Brooke Spychalski added a late layup to close out the 20-point win.

Osterman led all scorers with 22 points, including four threes, and added two steals. Rice finished with 16 points and four assists while making three three-pointers. Mingus also scored 16, went 6-for-7 at the line, and collected five rebounds. UIS totaled a season-high 35 rebounds, led by consistent efforts across the lineup. 

"We knew St. Francis would batter for 40 minutes," said head coach Olivia Birt. "We're happy to come away with a team win going into Thanksgiving break."

Illinois Springfield moves to 2-3 overall. 

Up Next
Conference play begins on Saturday afternoon at Missouri–St. Louis. The Prairie Stars then return to TRAC next week for a busy stretch of GLVC doubleheaders on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.