After five games in nine days, the women’s basketball team came out with another win, 45-58, Saturday against University-Wisconsin Parkside, which brought a third win out of the five games.
“It’s nice coming off with a day off yesterday,” said Mary O’Keefe on Monday. “We came back ready today. We got a lot done.”
Junior forward/center O’Keefe scored 14 points against UW-Parkside while junior forward/center Anna Hackert lead the Eagles with 16 points.
Hackert came back into play after a concussion from the Saint Joseph’s game on Jan. 16.
“My mindset changed a little bit with her being out with a concussion,” O’Keefe said. During a couple of the games, I tried to fill her shoes a little bit.”
Between the two, O’Keefe and Hackert scored a total of 30 points and got 23 rebounds.
“I feel like the guards got us the ball where we need(ed), and we just tried to get it in the hole,” Hackert said.
With games against University of Illinois Springfield and McKendree coming up, the Eagles (12-5, 6-3 GLVC) are focusing on their defensive lines.
“I know rebounding was a struggle on Thursday (against Lewis University) so we tried to work on that,” Hackert said. “If they don’t score, then we only have to score one bucket to win – so defense is really key right now.”
With the past three games away, Hackert said playing at home will be one more advantage coming off of a win.
“The students make it loud, and I just like playing for people,” she said. “It’s a lot more fun playing in front of people than when the stands are empty.”
Women’s basketball Head Coach Rick Stein wants to focus on the basics.
“I talked to our guys, and we’re trying to be the best basketball team out there,” he said.
He said playing at home is always good, especially after a long road week.
“It’s our court, and we want to protect it,” Stein said. “We work really hard here and we want to protect it. If the fans come out, they will see a great game.”
USI hosts Illinois Springfield (5-12. 1-8 GLVC) at 5:15 p.m. today in the Physical Activities Center (PAC). Then the Eagles go up against McKendree (7-9, 2-6 GLVC) Saturday at 1 p.m. in the PAC.
USI students get into the games for free, but USI is asking everyone to bring a canned item for Archie’s Food Closet. Adult tickets will cost $5 if someone brings a canned food item for the men’s and women’s doubleheader.