A busy and exciting week at home awaits UIS women's basketball, as the Prairie Stars return to TRAC for two GLVC matchups paired with community-focused promotions. UIS opens the homestand Thursday night for Springfield Day, tipping off at 5:30 p.m. with gates opening at 4:30, before wrapping up the week Saturday afternoon with Family Day presented by the Bank of Springfield at 1:00 p.m.

Illinois Springfield (7-11, 4-6 GLVC)
UIS enters the week looking to bounce back after an 81-49 setback at Drury last Thursday. The Prairie Stars got off to a strong start, leading 19-16 after the first quarter, but Drury adjusted defensively and limited UIS to just seven points in the second quarter. The Panthers continued that pressure into the second half. UIS was scheduled to play Missouri S&T on Saturday, but that contest was postponed to Feb. 10.

Offensively, the three-pointer continues to be the Prairie Stars' shot of choice. UIS ranks second in the GLVC in three-point percentage (37%), while holding opponents to just 29% from beyond the arc. Julia Mingus leads the team at 47.6% from deep with 39 made threes, followed closely by Kayla Rice at 39.8% (37 made) and Kennedy Osterman at 33.9% (39 made).

Defensively, UIS allows 66 points per game, placing them in the middle of the GLVC, but several team stats stand out across the conference. The Prairie Stars rank third in free-throw percentage, third in turnover margin, and first in steals, averaging 12.89 steals per game.

Rice continues to lead the team offensively, averaging 15.7 points per game. With 282 points this season, she is closing in on the 1,000-point milestone for her career.

Lincoln (4-14, 2-9 GLVC)
Lincoln enters Thursday's matchup after a challenging week on the road. The Blue Tigers fell 74-37 at Maryville, where they were outrebounded 56-35 and allowed 12 three-pointers. They struggled from the field, shooting just 16.9% (10-59).

Lincoln showed improvement in a closer 79-68 loss to McKendree, shooting 23-36 overall and knocking down seven threes, though rebounding remained an issue as they were again outrebounded, 46-28. Defensively, the Blue Tigers were active, recording eight steals and showing an ability to disrupt passing lanes.

Laini Joseph leads Lincoln and is the team's only player averaging double figures, scoring 15.9 points per game.

UIS holds a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series and is 1-0 against Lincoln as GLVC opponents since the Blue Tigers joined the league last season.

Missouri-St. Louis (15-2, 11-0 GLVC)
Saturday's matchup brings one of the GLVC's toughest tests, as league-leading Missouri–St. Louis visits TRAC. The Tritons remain unbeaten in conference play and are coming off a 75-65 road win at Maryville, completing a season sweep of the Saints. That victory featured a strong fourth-quarter push and 18 points from Lexi Hanna.

UMSL leads the GLVC in scoring defense, allowing just 53.6 points per game, and also sits atop the league in free-throw shooting as the only team above 80% from the line.

Saturday marks the first conference rematch between the teams this season. UIS opened GLVC play at UMSL in late November, falling 69-46. Since then, the Tritons have continued to establish themselves as the conference's top team.

Promotions & Special Events
Thursday – Springfield Day
UIS Athletics will celebrate the city and its community partners with giveaways, prizes, and in-game fun throughout the night.

    Women's Game Giveaways

• First 75 fans receive a voucher for a gourmet mini horseshoe from Legacy Pointe Eatery, served at halftime
• First 100 fans can choose between a Malibu Jack's Free Attraction Card or a Knights Action mini golf pass

Fans will have chances to enter free raffles featuring Springfield-area prizes, including:

• Illinois State Fair parking pass and admission tickets
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum passes
• And more! 

Springfield Day is part of UIS Athletics' ongoing effort to celebrate the city and strengthen the connection between the Prairie Stars and the Springfield community.

Saturday – Family Day presented by Bank of Springfield
Saturday's game will feature Family Day, Alumni Day, and a celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (Feb. 4), recognized at UIS during the closest home contest to the national observance.

UIS Athletics will welcome Prairie Star alumni from basketball and beyond back to TRAC while also celebrating the impact of women and girls in sports. The afternoon will recognize current UIS student-athletes, coaches, and staff, along with youth participants—including a cheer camp held the same day—and female athletes at all levels.

The Bank of Springfield returns as the game sponsor, helping make the afternoon a special one for families, alumni, and future Prairie Stars.