EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team fell to the University of Indianapolis, 71-63, Thursday evening at the Physical Activities Center despite a valiant second-half effort.

USI (12-10, 4-7 GLVC) trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half and 10 at the break, but used a 23-12 run in the first nine minutes of the closing period to forge a 46-45 lead—the Screaming Eagles' first advantage since the opening minutes of the first period.

Freshman guard Keisha Collins (South Holland, Illinois) recorded 21 of her career and game-high 26 points in the second half, while senior forward Ashley Green (Otterbein, Indiana) posted all of her game-high six steals in the last 20 minutes, including five in the first nine minutes of the second frame, to give the Eagles life.

USI led 53-51 with less than four minutes to play, but Indianapolis reeled off 13 straight points to slam the door on any hopes of a USI victory.

Junior guard Mandy Geryak knocked down 9-of-10 free throws in the final minute to seal the Eagles' fate and improve Indianapolis's record to 10-8 overall and 5-5 in the GLVC. Geryak led the Greyhounds with 23 points, while freshman guard Isabell Rhenwrick chipped in 17 points and five assists. Junior forward Amanda Norris finished with 15 points.

USI got 11 points from Green and 10 points from senior guard Tiara Brown (Normal, Illinois).

The Eagles return to action Saturday when they host Saint Joseph's College at 1 p.m. The Pumas (11-7, 4-6 GLVC) lost at Kentucky Wesleyan College, 70-62, Thursday evening.