EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.—The University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team got off to a fast start, then cruised to a 57-40 victory over Wayne State University in the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge Saturday afternoon.

USI (9-2) used a stifling defensive effort and some hot shooting to build a 17-point advantage midway through the first half. The Screaming Eagles, who put up 18 points before Wayne State could connect on its first field goal, held the Warriors to just one point throughout the first nine minutes of the game.

The Eagles shot 50 percent from the floor, while holding the Warriors to just four field goals and 19 percent shooting in the opening period as they went into the break with a 31-13 halftime edge.

Wayne State (4-9), however, closed the margin to 14 points, but a 12-2 run that lasted more nearly four minutes gave the Eagles their largest lead (45-21) with 13 minutes remaining in the game.

USI was led by junior forward Jasmine Baines (Jeffersonville, Indiana), who had a game-high 17 points and eight rebounds, and senior forward Sabrina Brandon (Danville, Illinois), who added 14 points and five rebounds. Senior guard Katie Thiesenhusen (Muskego, Wisconsin) chipped in 10 points in the victory.

Sophomore guard Joy Nash led the Warriors with 13 points, while sophomore guard/forward Chastidy Miller had a team-high seven rebounds.

The Eagles return home Thursday as they resume GLVC play against Rockhurst University at 5:15 p.m. USI also hosts Drury University January 6 at 1 p.m. at the Physical Activities Center.