EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- The University of Evansville women's basketball team returns from its holiday break at the Ford Center on Sunday afternoon.
 

Evansville vs. Drake | Sunday, December 29th  | 12 PM CT
Site | Locations	Ford Center | Evansville, Ind.
Game Coverage	Live Stats | ESPN+
Follow the Aces	Women's Basketball Home Page | Twitter

The Purple Aces ended the non-conference season with a close loss at Loyola Chicago. It was UE's first return to the Ramblers home arena since they left the MVC in 2022. A slow first half kept Evansville from a comeback in the 70-57 loss despite improving the team's shooting percentage by almost 20% in the second half.

The Aces begin Missouri Valley Conference play at home for the third season in a row. But on Sunday UE will host its first conference game at the Ford Center as part of a Valley doubleheader with the men's team. The women take on Drake at noon while the men play Missouri State at 3 p.m. The Bulldogs come into the start of MVC action with a 6-5 overall record and the reigning Player of the Year senior guard Katie Dinnebier. Dinnebier currently leads the Valley in three point attempts (79) and assists (80) while averaging 18.6 points a game. 

Evansville had its second best three-point shooting game to close out non-conference. In Chicago the Aces shot 47.6% from three. Senior guard Júlia Palomo led the charge for UE with 12 points behind the arc. It was a career game in the Windy City for Palomo. Along with having her best three point shooting performance in
four seasons, the senior set a new high in assists. Palomo led Evansville through 40 minutes with seven helpers. 

Freshman guard Camryn Runner continues to impress at the end of her first non-conference season. After averaging 16 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals in 33 minutes of play in two games, Runner earned her fourth MVC Freshman of the Week honor. Runner is now second among all program newcomers for weekly awards in their first season as an Ace with four.