TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- The University of Evansville women's basketball team returns to Indiana to visit its in-state rival Indiana State.
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The Purple Aces began 2025 with two losses in Missouri Valley Conference play. UE fell just short of the team's first conference win at Bradley by three points. Whereas Evansville struggled at Illinois State in the 79-55 loss. Despite a quiet overall offensive performance in Normal, freshman point guard Avery Kelley (Evansville, Ind. / Memorial HS) set a career scoring high. Kelley put up eight points at CEFCU Arena on 80% shooting to have the Aces' second-best scoring game. In just 16 minutes of action Kelley went a perfect two for two from both three point range and at the free throw line.
On Sunday afternoon both teams will be looking for their first win in conference action. UE had the closest opportunity to a Valley win between Evansville and Indiana State with a three-point loss to Bradley whereas the Sycamore's closest game was a 10-point loss to Northern Iowa. The Aces will also be looking to avenge a close three-point loss from 2024 in the Hulman Center in the in-state rivals' first meeting of the season.
Indiana State comes into Sunday's game with a 2-12 overall record with both of the Sycamores wins coming on the road. Indiana State has only played three games at the Hulman Center midway through the season and only a game in Valley play. The Sycamores are led by junior guard Bella Finnegan averaging 13.7 points a game after missing the first month and a half of the 2024-25 season. She is followed closely by sophomore guard Keslyn Secrist who averages 13.1 points a game in 14 appearances.Â
With back-to-back games shooting over 85% at the free throw line UE returned to the top of the Missouri Valley in shooting percentage at the charity stripe. Through 14 games this season Evansville has shot 78.2% from the line for the 17th-best free throw shooting among Division I teams. The Aces have also improved their defensive game behind the arc throughout the season. UE is second in the Valley in three-point percentage defense at 28%. Evansville trails the MVC and national leader Bradley in the stat by only 6.7%.
