ROLLA, Mo.—The University of Southern Indiana women's basketball continued its struggles against the University of Missouri-Rolla as it fell to the Miners, 81-70, Saturday afternoon.

USI (14-9, 8-7 GLVC), which used a 12-0 run to turn an eight-point deficit into a 17-12 advantage, led by as many as six points in the opening period. However, the Miners fought their way back into the contest and ended the half with an 8-2 run to take a 32-27 edge into halftime.

Turnovers hampered the Screaming Eagles in the opening period as the Miners converted USI's 16 first-half miscues into 19 points.

UM-Rolla (14-9, 7-8 GLVC) opened the second half similar to the way it opened the second half of its game against USI a week ago. The Miners came out on fire as they used a 21-3 run to build their largest lead of the game (53-30) with 14 minutes remaining in the contest. A week ago they used a 12-3 run to turn a seven-point halftime margin into a commanding 16-point lead.

The Miners, who were 7-of-12 from the field during their run, out-rebounded the Eagles 21-14 in the second half and shot 52.2 percent from the field.

Despite the slow start in the second half, USI chipped into the Miners' lead, eventually cutting the deficit to single digits with less than two minutes to play. However, USI could get no closer than eight points as the Miners completed the season-sweep of USI and improved their all-time record against the Eagles to 6-0.

Senior guard Katie Thiesenhusen (Muskego, Wisconsin) led the Eagles with a game-high 21 points and seven rebounds, while senior forward Sabrina Brandon (Danville, Illinois) added 15 points and four rebounds.

UM-Rolla had four players in double figures, with sophomore forward Tamara McCaskill and senior guard Maggie Thompson leading the way with 15 points apiece. Senior Nicole Dierking added 12 points and 11 rebounds in the victory.

USI returns to action Thursday when it hosts Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at the Physical Activities Center. Tip-off is slated for 5:15 p.m.

The Eagles close their home slate with Quincy University next Saturday at 1 p.m. USI will honor its five seniors as part of the Senior Day festivities.