Illinois Springfield women's basketball fell to Upper Iowa, 76-70, on Saturday afternoon at TRAC. UIS moves to 12-14 overall and 9-9 in the GLVC, while UIU improves to 14-13 and 10-9 in conference play. Graduate guard Kennedy Osterman led UIS in scoring with 20 points on Senior Day.

 This matchup was set up to be a great, close game between two teams battling for a conference tournament spot, going in as #8 UIS and #9 UIU. The Prairie Stars forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 24 points, but could not overcome a strong fourth quarter by Upper Iowa. The Prairie Stars forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 24 points but could not overcome a strong fourth quarter from the Peacocks.

Upper Iowa took a 23-22 lead after a tightly contested opening period. Kendall Lodermeier scored early for UIU, and Ellie Foster knocked down multiple three-pointers to help the Peacocks build a brief cushion. Senior Kennedy Osterman answered with a three-pointer for UIS, and Kayla Rice and Brynn Tabeling each added late baskets to keep the Prairie Stars within one at the break.

UIS edged UIU 18-16 in the second quarter to take a halftime lead. Allysia McDaniel opened the scoring in the period off an assist from Molly Knight. Rice contributed on both ends, adding a fast-break layup and a late steal, while Julia Mingus connected from beyond the arc and scored inside to keep the Prairie Stars in front. 

The Prairie Stars extended their advantage in the third quarter, outscoring Upper Iowa 17-14. Mingus scored the first points of the half, and Osterman hit back-to-back three-pointers, including one midway through the quarter that pushed the lead to six. UIU mustered a response, but Rice capped the period with a three-pointer as UIS carried a 57-49 lead into the final quarter.

Upper Iowa used a 23-13 fourth quarter to secure the win. Lodermeier sparked the Peacocks early in the period, and Privet connected on two key three-pointers to shift the momentum. The Prairie Stars closed the gap late on a layup by Osterman, but UIU sealed the game at the free-throw line.

Osterman led UIS with 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including three three-pointers, and added seven rebounds. Rice finished with 14 points, seven steals and four rebounds. Mingus also scored 14 points and dished out three assists, while Libby Blythe added six points and four rebounds.

Osterman and Tabeling, both senior transfers who joined the program this season to finish their collegiate careers as Prairie Stars, made key contributions throughout the afternoon. Osterman provided steady scoring on the perimeter, while Tabeling made two of her three attempts from the field.

Up Next
UIS will visit both William Jewell and Rockhurst in the final week of the regular season.