Lewis (18-11): 56
at Southern Indiana (22-8): 54
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EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana women’s basketball team’s chances of winning a GLVC Tournament title came to a halt Sunday as Lewis University dealt the Screaming Eagles a 56-54 setback at the Physical Activities Center.
USI (22-8), which lost for the first time in 15 games on its home court this season, was hampered by missed shots underneath the basket throughout the contest. The Eagles missed 21 shots in the paint, including 12 in the second half, as the Flyers took control of the game.
The Eagles trailed by as many as 11 points in the second period, but rallied behind a strong defensive effort late in the contest. USI held the Flyers to just two points throughout the final 4:37 of the contest to trim the deficit to just two points with 30 seconds to play.
USI got possession of the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead in the final 20 seconds, but missed two shots in the final 10 seconds, including a three-pointer in the final two seconds that would have given the Eagles the victory.
Defense kept the Eagles in the contest throughout the duration of the game, including the first half when USI held the Flyers scoreless for the final four minutes of the period to cut a 28-17 deficit to just six points at the break.
Junior guard Ellen Young led the Eagles with a team-high 16 points after draining three three-pointers, while fellow classmate Amie Newhart chipped in 10 points in the loss.
Lewis junior forward Jenny Turpel led the Flyers with a game-high 18 points and 14 rebounds, while sophomore forward Devon Carbaugh chipped in nine points and nine rebounds.
The Flyers (18-11), who have won three straight against the Eagles, outrebounded USI, 40-34, including 22-14 in the second half.
While Lewis advances to the GLVC Tournament semifinals in Springfield, Illinois, the Eagles will have to await the NCAA II Tournament selection show, which takes place Sunday evening, to find out its post-season fate. USI was fifth in the regional rankings this past week.