The UIS women's basketball team (11-13, 8-8 GLVC) defeated Indianapolis (5-20, 4-13 GLVC), 75-57, at Nicoson Hall on Saturday, completing the season sweep of the Greyhounds. The Prairie Stars used 17 steals to fuel the win and shot efficiently throughout the game, knocking down 12 three-pointers while finishing at 47.5 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from beyond the arc.

UIS opened the game with a strong defensive presence, forcing seven turnovers in the first quarter. After falling behind 6-0 early, the Prairie Stars responded with their own 6-0 run, including layups by Libby Blythe and Makenna Yeager, to close the gap. The team tied the game twice and briefly took the lead, with Kayla Rice's three-pointer and a jumper by Blythe contributing to a back-and-forth quarter. The first quarter ended in a 14-14 tie, setting a competitive tone for the remainder of the game.

The Prairie Stars seized momentum in the second quarter with an 8-0 run, highlighted by Kennedy Osterman's three-pointer at 5:39. The Prairie Stars capitalized on the Greyhounds' turnovers, converting them into points and extending their lead with effective shooting from beyond the arc. The first half concluded with a layup by Yeager, ending 38-27 in favor of Illinois Springfield.

UIS took control in the third quarter with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by a series of three-pointers. Osterman's three at 8:55, assisted by Julia Mingus, was part of a crucial stretch that extended the lead. Kayla Rice secured a key steal that led to another three-pointer by Mingus at 8:31. The Stars were ahead 64-42 by the end of the third quarter.

UIS maintained control throughout the fourth quarter despite a late push from the Greyhounds. Blythe, already holding a double-digit point total, opened the quarter with a jumper, assisted by Yeager. The Prairie Stars capitalized on defensive stops, with Rice contributing significantly by stealing the ball twice and converting one into a layup at 7:10. The visitors' solid defense resulted in five steals during the final quarter, limiting Indianapolis's scoring opportunities.

Despite the Greyhounds' efforts, Illinois Springfield's consistent defensive pressure ensured its lead was never seriously threatened. The Prairie Stars secured the 75-57 victory over the Greyhounds.

Osterman and Blythe shared the team high with 17 points apiece. Osterman was excellent from beyond the arc, converting three of her four attempts from deep, and added five assists. Blythe was also very efficient, knocking down 7 of 8 shots from the field, including all three of her attempts from three-point range. Rice contributed on both ends with eight points, three assists, and four steals, while Mingus added nine points and three steals to bolster the defensive effort.

"That was our first season sweep in two years, which isn't easy in this league, especially on the road," head coach Olivia Birt said. "We're excited to get back home this week and keep fighting to try and make the conference tournament."

Ill. Springfield has a record of 11-13 overall and 8-8 in GLVC play. UIndy stands at 5-20 overall and 4-13 in the GLVC.

Up Next
UIS gears up for its final homestand, returning to TRAC on Thursday to play Lewis, then closing out the home slate on Saturday against Upper Iowa.