EVANSVILLE, Ind.- Less than 24 hours removed from a loss to Indiana State University, the University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team used consistent scoring to top the University of Evansville 76-72 in an exhibition at the Ford Center.

The Screaming Eagles jumped out to an early 23-11 lead on Evansville at the 12:42 mark in the first half after a layup by senior Anna Hackert (Evansville, Indiana). Hackert recorded 31 points on 13-of-21 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds in the Eagles first exhibition victory over a division one opponent since a 75-74 win against Morehead State University. The win moves USI's exhibition record to 10-13 all-time and 2-8 against division one foes. 

The Purple Aces looked poised to turn momentum just four minutes into the second half when Evansville's Sarah Dickey drained a three to clip the Eagles' lead to 40-37. USI would quickly respond with a Mariah Nimmo (Groveland, Illinois) triple and a reverse layup from Taylor Stevenson (Olney, Illinois) to pump the Eagles' lead back up to 45-37.

The tide would turn again with an 8-1 Evansville run in the closing minutes to narrow USI's lead to 72-70, but the Eagles would lock down defensively to earn the triumph.The Eagles held the lead for a total of 37:54 in the contest, grabbing the lead at 7-5 and never relinquishing control.

The Eagles shot nearly 57% (30-53) from the field while out-rebounding the Purple Aces 42-24. In addition to Hackert's effort, senior Mariah Nimmo tallied 13 points, including three shots from beyond the arc. Freshman Kaydie Grooms (Marshall, Indiana) grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds while scoring seven points in 19 minutes in just her second contest as an Eagle.

UE was led by sophomore Sarah Dickey who finished tied for the game-high with 31 points. Evansville had just eight healthy players available for the exhibition matchup.

USI opens the regular season on Friday, November 14 against Midwest Region foe Malone University at 6 p.m. in the Physical Activities Center. 

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