UIS women's basketball returns home to TRAC this week for a pair of key GLVC matchups, hosting Rockhurst on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and Southwest Baptist on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

All three teams enter the week 2-5 in GLVC play, making these head-to-head matchups critical in the conference standings. The games highlight a busy and exciting week at TRAC, which also includes Chamber on Tap, Cardinals Caravan, UIS Spring Welcome, and more!

Illinois Springfield (5-10, 2-5 GLVC)
UIS dropped two close GLVC road games last week, falling 71-70 at Quincy after nearly completing a comeback, followed by a 64-53 loss at Truman State on Saturday.

The Prairie Stars remain one of the league's most dangerous perimeter teams. UIS leads the GLVC in three-point field goal percentage (36.8%) and three-pointers made per game (8.4), well above the league average of 6.1 made threes per game. While UIS cooled slightly from the NCAA DII-leading percentage it carried in December, the Stars remain the league's top shooting threat from deep.

Freshman Julia Mingus was instrumental in the Quincy game, posting a career-high 19 points, including three made threes and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. At Truman State, Kayla Rice led UIS with 22 points, scoring 18 in the second half.

UIS returns home looking to regain rhythm at TRAC, where the Stars are 4-4 overall and 2-2 in GLVC games this season.

Rice ranks second in the GLVC in scoring at 16.0 points per game, and is also second in steals and third in three-point field goal percentage. Kennedy Osterman holds two top-five conference rankings, sitting third in threes per game and fifth in three-point percentage.

Defensively, UIS stands out as the GLVC leader in steals per game (12.13). Rockhurst and Southwest Baptist rank third and fourth, respectively, in that category. Individually, Rice, Osterman, and Molly Knight all rank among the league's top 25 in steals.

Rockhurst (6-7, 2-5 GLVC)
Rockhurst has won one of its last four GLVC games, a 74-52 road win at Southwest Baptist two weeks ago. Last week, the Hawks dropped road contests at Missouri-St. Louis (58-43) and Maryville (72-50).

In the Maryville loss, Rockhurst allowed 14 three-pointers, while turnovers were nearly even (Maryville 20, Rockhurst 19). Against UMSL, foul trouble played a role, as the Tritons went 11-for-17 at the free-throw line while Rockhurst finished 4-for-7. UMSL also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Hawks 52–33.
Despite recent results, Rockhurst leads the GLVC in turnover margin (+4.85), while UIS ranks fourth (+3.07).

Players to watch for Rockhurst include junior Tori Miller, who averages 13.2 points per game on 46.8% shooting, Alivia McCulla, the team's leading rebounder at 6.2 boards per game, and Ella Campbell, who has connected on 24 three-pointers—accounting for roughly one-third of the Hawks' three-point production.

Southwest Baptist (5-8, 2-5 GLVC)
SBU split its home games last weekend, defeating Lincoln 68-51 before falling 85-54 to GLVC leader Missouri–St. Louis. Against Lincoln, the Bearcats controlled the paint, while the UMSL game saw SBU struggle on the glass despite recording seven blocks. The Bearcats were outrebounded 39-24 overall, including 28-18 on the defensive boards.

Southwest Baptist ranks second in the GLVC in offensive rebounding, led by Nahia Esnaola Agaen and Kamiyah Hurd, both averaging over seven rebounds per game.

Offensively, Natalia Crooke leads the team at 10.6 points per game, with three additional teammates averaging between 9 and 10 points.

GLVC Outlook
With seven weeks remaining in the GLVC regular season, Rockhurst, Southwest Baptist, and UIS remain tightly grouped in the conference standings, currently sitting 10th, 11th, and 12th, respectively. Those positions closely mirror the preseason expectations, when the three programs were projected in the lower half of the league. With only eight teams qualifying for the GLVC Tournament, these head-to-head matchups loom large as each team looks to climb the standings and stay in the postseason picture.

Follow Along
UIS women's basketball games are streamed live on the GLVC Sports Network, with live statistics available through the links on the UIS women's basketball schedule.

Promotions & Fan Engagement
Thursday's home game features multiple special promotions, including Teacher Appreciation Night, with free admission for teachers and one guest by presenting a school ID at the ticket gate. Youth Camp Night also welcomes UIS summer campers back to TRAC, with free admission for campers and discounted $5 tickets for parents.

In addition, UIS Athletics will host Chamber on Tap, the Chamber of Commerce's monthly networking event. UIS Athletics will provide the venue, food, and drinks in a casual atmosphere designed to foster meaningful connections. Admission is $5 for Chamber members and $15 for non-members.

Saturday's game is highlighted by Faith & Family Day, presented by Springfield Business Men in Christ, which will include a postgame meal and concert for community members. Fans will also be able to enjoy the Cardinals Caravan, bringing a St. Louis Cardinals fan experience to TRAC for ticketholders.

As always, UIS basketball games feature interactive in-game promotions, including challenges such as the putting contest and half-court shot, giving fans chances to win prizes throughout the game.