The Valpo women's basketball team's return to the road was an unkind one Sunday afternoon in Chicago, as the Beacons dropped a 60-45 decision to host UIC. Leah Earnest (Stevens Point, Wis./SPASH) moved into second place in program history in career rebounding during the game.
 
How It Happened

• Valpo jumped out to a 5-0 lead, forcing four straight empty UIC possessions to start the game and getting an inside finish from Maci Rhoades (Beavercreek, Ohio/Beavercreek [Radford]) and a 3-pointer from Layla Gold (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral).
• UIC scored the next seven points to take the lead, and while Earnest briefly put Valpo back in front with a triple, the Flames got a 3-pointer of their own with 4:10 to play in the opening period to take the lead for good.
• The Flames led by as many as six in the opening period and were ahead 18-14 at the end of the quarter.
• Earnest brought the Beacons back to within two with a basket on the opening trip of the second period before the Flames scored the next five to extend their lead.
• UIC scored five points in the final minute of the first half to push its edge to 33-22 at intermission.
• Valpo got to within eight points on a 3-pointer from Nevaeh Jackson (Fort Wayne, Ind./Northrop) just over three minutes into the third quarter, but the Flames scored seven of the next nine points to push their lead back into double figures.
• UIC led 50-37 at the end of the third quarter and the Beacons were unable to get any closer in the final 10 minutes.

 
Inside the Game

• With her fifth rebound of the game, which came late in the second quarter, Earnest surpassed Sarrah Stricklett for second in program history in career rebounding.
• Earnest ended the game with seven rebounds, giving her 775 for her career — 95 away from Tamra Braun's program record of 870 boards.
• Earnest also scored 12 points, while Jackson scored a team-best 14 on 5-of-9 shooting — those two were the only Beacons to crack double figures in scoring.
• Valpo's 45 points tied its season low (at Murray State). The Beacons matched their season low with four made 3-pointers and attempted just four free throws, their lowest total since trying just two Dec. 5, 2021 at Bowling Green.
• Valpo had its second-worst turnover margin of the season as well, forcing just 14 miscues while committing 22 turnovers.

 
Next Up
Valpo (6-13, 2-6 MVC) embarks on yet another road trip next weekend, as the Beacons visit their in-state rivals. First up is a 6 p.m. CT matchup at Indiana State Thursday evening.