Illinois Springfield women's basketball (7-10, 4-5 GLVC) defeated Southwest Baptist (5-10, 2-7 GLVC), 89-51, at TRAC on Saturday, powered by a commanding 42 points off turnovers. This victory capped off a week where UIS outscored its opponents by an average of 44 points in two home wins.

The game began with Illinois Springfield establishing control early, opening with a decisive 9-0 run capped by Kennedy Osterman's layup at 6:56. The home team's defense was equally effective, forcing 12 turnovers and converting them into fast-break opportunities. Julia Mingus and Osterman each hit multiple three-pointers, contributing to a 32-5 lead for UIS by the end of the first quarter.

The Prairie Stars forced eight turnovers while scoring 13 points off those opportunities in the second quarter. A series of fast-break plays, including a layup by Alandyn Simmons at 8:31, highlighted their transition game. Kayla Rice contributed significantly, hitting a three-pointer at 5:32 and assisting late in the quarter on Julia Mingus's three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining. UIS finished the quarter leading 58-14, having outscored Southwest Baptist 26-9.

The Prairie Stars maintained control in the third quarter with strong play in the paint, highlighted by a layup from Makenna Yeager at the 5:00 mark. Allison Wheeler's defensive efforts, including a key steal, led to a layup that extended their lead. Despite Southwest Baptist's attempts to close the gap, Ill. Springfield's consistent scoring allowed them to finish the quarter ahead, leading 71-29.

UIS maintained its lead in the fourth quarter with effective scoring and timely defense. Julia Mingus contributed a key three-pointer at 5:11, extending the home team's advantage. Allysia McDaniel added a jumper in the paint at 8:33, assisted by Mingus, which helped sustain their momentum. Brynn Tabeling's layup at 0:59 further solidified the lead. Despite Southwest Baptist's efforts, including a 22-point quarter, Ill. Springfield concluded the game with a decisive 89-51 victory. UIS achieved its season high of 89 points and made 36 field goals. 

Mingus led the team with 21 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field, including five three-pointers for the second game in a row. Rice contributed 13 points and recorded five steals, while also adding four assists. Osterman posted 14 points and matched Rice with five steals. Molly Knight added 12 points and distributed five assists, making 5 of her 6 shots from the floor. 

The Prairie Stars moved to 7-10 overall and 4-5 in GLVC play. Southwest Baptist is now 5-10 overall and 2-7 in GLVC competition.

Head coach Olivia Birt commented on the team's performance, saying, "We had a good week at home and played team basketball as well as we have all year." 

Up Next
UIS heads back on the road next week, traveling to Drury on Thursday and Missouri S&T on Saturday.