#12 Michigan Tech (9-1): 56
at Southern Indiana (5-5): 47
Box Score

EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team could not overcome a tough shooting night in its upset bid against two-time defending NCAA II Midwest Region champion Michigan Tech University Thursday evening as the Screaming Eagles suffered a 56-47 setback to the No. 12 Huskies at the Physical Activities Center.

USI (5-5) shot just 25.4 percent (17-67) from the field, including 22.2 percent (6-27) in the first half, as it suffered its second regional setback of the season.

Both teams struggled early in the contest, with the two teams combining for just nine points throughout the first five minutes.

The Eagles battled back from an early 7-2 deficit to tie the contest at 9-9 with just under 10 minutes to play in the opening half, but a 15-4 Michigan Tech run allowed the Huskies to put separation between the two teams late in the period.

Senior forward Lucy Dernovsek scored 10 points during the run that gave the Huskies (9-1) a 24-13 lead with three minutes to play in the half. Dernovsek scored 13 of her game-high 19 points in the opening period as Michigan Tech built a 29-15 halftime advantage.

USI chiseled the deficit to six points (36-30) when senior guard Amie Newhart hit a three-pointer with just under 12 minutes to play.

Michigan Tech (9-1), however, answered the Eagles' charge with a quick 5-0 spurt, on the strength of a three-pointer by Dernovsek and a layup by junior forward Lindsey Lindstrom, to turn momentum back into its favor.

USI never got any closer than nine points throughout the rest of the contest as the Huskies won their sixth consecutive game.

Junior guard/forward Kristin Raker led the Eagles with 13 points and four steals, while senior forward/center Courtney Perry grabbed a team-best 10 rebounds. Newhart chipped in eight points, all of which came in the final 20 minutes.

Michigan Tech, which had a 45-36 advantage on the glass, was aided by Dernovsek and Lindstrom, who each finished with a double-double. Both had 12 rebounds, while Lindstrom finished with 11 points.

The Eagles, who had just eight turnovers in the contest, begin a difficult stretch in their return to Great Lakes Valley Conference play. USI will play four games in a seven-day span, beginning Sunday when the Eagles visit Saint Joseph's College for a 1 p.m. tipoff.