EVANSVILLE, Ind.—After a 10-2 start and six straight wins, the University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team looked like it was in cruise control heading back into GLVC play a week ago.
Now, the Screaming Eagles have lost two straight and are in desperate need of a victory as they head into its match-up with Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana, Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
USI (10-4, 3-4 GLVC) is in a four-way tie for sixth in the GLVC after losing at home to Bellarmine University (84-80) and Northern Kentucky University (81-55).
A major factor in USI's recent woes is the disparity in trips to the free throw line. While USI's opposition made 79 trips to the free throw line last week, the Eagles went to the charity stripe a mere 29 times.
In USI's four losses this season, the Eagles have seen a 2-to-1 ratio in trips to the free throw line. The opposition is averaging 35 free throw attempts, while the Eagles are averaging just 17.5 free throw attempts in those four contests.
The Eagles will need to get to the free throw line more often and cut down on their fouls if they are to have a chance in a place they are normally whistled for a high number of infractions.
Last season at the Richard F. Scharf Alumni Fieldhouse, the Eagles sent the Pumas to the line 41 times, with SJC converting those attempts into 33 points. USI lost the game by seven after going 18-of-20 from the charity stripe.
In USI's last three trips to Rensselaer, SJC has averaged 42 trips to the charity stripe per game. The Pumas have made good on an average of 32 of those attempts.
Leading the Eagles into their contest with the Pumas is senior guard
Jamie Truitt (Owensboro, Kentucky) and senior forward/center
Andrea Engleking (Charlottesville, Indiana). The two are averaging 13.8 and 12.4 ppg, respectively, while Engleking leads the team with 5.9 rpg.
Engleking has done the best job for the Eagles in getting to the free throw line. She has been to the line 66 times, converting on 53 of her attempts.
SJC (2-12, 1-6 GLVC) has been led by senior center Courtney Rosenbaum's 18.3 ppg and 7.0 rpg.
USI won the first meeting with the Pumas, 79-77, at the Physical Activities Center. Engleking and Truitt led the Eagles with 17 and 14 points, respectively, while freshman guard Allison Hughes and Rosenbaum led the Pumas with 24 and 16 points, respectively.
The Eagles will wrap up their two-game road swing Saturday at 1 p.m. with a trip to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The Rangers (11-7, 5-3 GLVC) are led by senior guard/forward Carrie Weir and senior center Sammy Kromm, who lead the team with 17.6 and 17.1 ppg, respectively. Senior forward Jen Braier leads the GLVC with 9.1 rpg.
USI leads the all-time series with the Pumas 25-22, and the Rangers, 17-1.
