Strong Second Half Not Enough for UIS Women's Basketball at McKendree
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The Illinois Springfield women's basketball team showed resilience in a 72-62 road loss to McKendree on Saturday afternoon. The Prairie Stars fall to 0-8 overall and 0-4 in GLVC action.
Game Recap
The Prairie Stars fell behind early as McKendree opened the first quarter with a commanding 31-13 lead, fueled by 13-of-21 shooting, including 15 points in the paint. UIS struggled to match the Bearcats' intensity despite a three-pointer from Emari Doby that briefly gave the Prairie Stars an edge in the opening moments
UIS found its footing in the second quarter as McKendree cooled off. The Prairie Stars capitalized with timely three-pointers and a perfect 4-for-4 performance from the free-throw line, trimming the deficit to 10 points before heading into halftime trailing 43-31
The Prairie Stars edged the Bearcats 16-15 in the third quarter, with Kayla Rice and Doby leading the charge
The Prairie Stars continued to battle in the fourth quarter, outscoring McKendree 15-14, but the early deficit proved insurmountable. McKendree's Baylie Parks was dominant, recording a double-double with 28 points on 13-of-15 shooting and 12 rebounds
UIS showed improvement in several areas, including forcing 20 turnovers and converting them into 18 points. The Prairie Stars also connected on 85.7% of their free throws, but McKendree's efficiency in the paint—50 points compared to 32 by UIS—ultimately sealed the game
Rice finished the game with 22 points, including 4-of-10 from beyond the arc, while Doby added 16 points and a team-high nine rebounds
Up Next The Prairie Stars return to action on Saturday, Dec. 14, when they host the Wisconsin Parkside Rangers at home. As part of the game-day festivities, the team is hosting a toy drive to benefit HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital. Fans are encouraged to bring a toy donation and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize.
Around the GLVC Lewis 56, Missouri-St. Louis 50 Quincy 85, Missouri S&T 60 Southwest Baptist 81, William Jewell 80 Drury 97, Truman State 72 Upper Iowa 69, Lincoln 56 McKendree 72, Illinois Springfield 62 Maryville 76, Indianapolis 73