Illinois Springfield women's basketball (8-11, 5-6 GLVC) defeated Lincoln (4-15, 2-10 GLVC), 67-48, with a commanding performance that included 20 steals and 30 points off turnovers. The win was highlighted by a record night from Kayla Rice, who became the program's all-time leader in both career steals and three-pointers.

Illinois Springfield opened the game with an assertive performance, taking control early with a 16-6 lead by the end of the first quarter. UIS capitalized on turnovers, converting fast-break opportunities into points, highlighted by Allison Wheeler's layup following her own steal at 8:02. The Prairie Stars' defense proved effective, forcing the Blue Tigers into 10 turnovers while limiting them to just two field goals in the quarter.

UIS maintained momentum in the second quarter with key contributions from beyond the arc. Julia Mingus and Kennedy Osterman each connected on a three-pointer, with Osterman's shot coming off an assist from Kayla Rice at 7:10. Despite Lincoln's attempts to close the gap, the Prairie Stars' defensive efforts helped sustain their lead. Rice secured the quarter's final points with two free throws, concluding the quarter with a 29-23 advantage.

Ill. Springfield opened the second half with a strong start as Osterman hit a three at 9:43, continuing her impactful play. Midway through the quarter, Paula Strzelecki extended the lead with a tip-in at 7:15, showcasing the team's dominance on the offensive glass. With just over three minutes remaining, Osterman connected on another 3-pointer, this time assisted by Wheeler, pushing the lead to six points at 39-33. 

In the closing minutes, Molly Knight sank a three-pointer at 2:38, and Rice added another long-range shot at 0:44 — the basket that secured her place as the program's career leader in three-pointers. Mingus closed the quarter with a three-pointer at 0:04, extending the lead further. UIS outscored Lincoln 23-13 in the quarter, leading 52-36.

In the fourth quarter, Illinois Springfield solidified its lead with an assertive performance. Key momentum was gained with a 7-0 run initiated by Osterman's layup at 8:17 and extended by Rice's three-pointer at 6:49. Despite turnovers, the Prairie Stars' defense remained resilient, generating seven steals throughout the quarter, including a crucial one by Knight at 4:49 leading to her made shot at 3:26. The quarter ended with Tatianna McLaren's jumper and the Prairie Stars closed out a 67-48 victory.

Rice finished with 18 points and five steals, with her third steal of the night making her the all-time leader in steals for UIS Women's Basketball. She now holds two program records just midway through her junior season. Osterman added 13 points, connecting on three three-pointers and tallying six steals. Makenna Yeager recorded four steals and four rebounds, while Allysia McDaniel pulled down eight rebounds, including five on the offensive end, and added four points.

"It wasn't our prettiest game, but we are finding out what it means to win," head coach Olivia Birt said. "It was fun for Kayla to get two records and leave herself two points away from 1,000. We have to clean up a lot for Saturday and are excited to be back at home."

UIS holds an 8-11 overall record and a 5-6 mark in GLVC play. Lincoln is now 4-15 overall with a 2-10 record in GLVC competition.

Up Next
The homestand continues Saturday at 1:00 p.m. when UIS tips off against Missouri-St. Louis.