Illinois Springfield women's basketball (3-5, 1-2 GLVC) narrowly fell to McKendree (4-2, 2-1 GLVC), 68-66, at TRAC on Thursday night. The Prairie Stars trailed 56-48 entering the fourth quarter and mounted a late comeback effort that came up just short.

McKendree jumped out to a 10-2 lead to start the game, but UIS responded out of the first timeout with increased pressure. Allysia McDaniel and Kayla Rice helped spark the rally, as McDaniel finished a layup and Rice added points at the free throw line while creating opportunities for teammates.

A scoring burst in the middle of the quarter, highlighted by a layup from Julia Mingus and a three-pointer from Kennedy Osterman, kept UIS within striking distance. Rice capped the surge with a free throw, and the Prairie Stars closed the opening quarter trailing just 22-21. UIS scored 10 points in the paint and generated six points off turnovers in the first.

UIS quickly tied the game at 22-22 on an Allysia McDaniel free throw, but McKendree answered with a three-pointer to regain momentum. Libby Blythe later drilled a much-needed three to keep UIS within five as McKendree converted a pair of layups. Molly Knight helped cut the deficit to 31-28 with a layup and a free throw, but McKendree stretched its lead to 41-34 before Rice knocked down a late three to end the half, trimming the deficit to four.

The Prairie Stars came out of halftime strong and briefly regained the lead at the 8:23 mark of the third quarter when Allison Wheeler buried a three-pointer off a Rice assist. Defensive plays by Osterman — including a block and a steal — energized UIS, but turnovers in the period proved costly. McKendree capitalized and pushed its advantage to 49-42.

Free throws from Paula Strzelecki and a late jumper by Osterman helped keep the Prairie Stars close, but McKendree closed the quarter on a run and carried a 56-48 lead into the final period.

UIS made its push in the fourth, beginning with a jumper from Rice and a three-pointer from Mingus to trim the margin. Mingus added another three later in the quarter, and Alandyn Simmons tied the game at 65-65 with a layup at the 2:10 mark.

The final minutes were tightly contested. Rice hit a clutch free throw to make it 67-66, but McKendree was able to convert a late free throw of its own to hold on for the 68-66 win.

Mingus led UIS with a career-high 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including four three-pointers. Rice finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and three blocks. Knight added five assists, while Osterman pulled down seven rebounds and recorded two steals.

UIS shot 42.4% from the field and 50% from three (9-of-18), finishing ahead of McKendree's 40.3% shooting mark. The Prairie Stars' largest lead of the night was three points, coming early in the first quarter after erasing the initial 10-2 deficit.

Up Next
UIS returns to action Saturday at home against Maryville. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at TRAC. Fans are encouraged to wear blue and pack the stands.