CORALVILLE, Iowa – The University of Evansville women’s basketball team secured a 75-70 overtime victory against third-seeded Illinois State on Saturday night, continuing their unexpected journey through the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. This win propels Evansville to the championship game for the first time since 2009, where they will face top-seeded Murray State at 1 PM on Sunday at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa, with an NCAA Tournament berth on the line.
A Historic Run
Evansville has become the first 10 seed to ever reach the MVC Championship game. The victory over Illinois State also ended an 18-game losing streak against the Redbirds, marking their first win since 2017.
Runner’s Record-Breaking Performance
Camryn Runner led the Aces with a game-high 24 points, along with six rebounds and five assists. In the process, Runner broke Evansville’s single-season records for total points (625), assists (184), and free throws made (216).
A Back-and-Forth Battle
Evansville started strong, building an 8-2 lead early in the first quarter with three-pointers from Georgia Cox and Elle Snyder. After Illinois State briefly took the lead, the Aces closed the first quarter with a 7-0 run to lead 19-13. The game remained competitive throughout, with multiple lead changes, and ties. Illinois State took a 42-41 lead into the fourth quarter.
Overtime Thriller
After a tight fourth quarter that ended in a tie, Evansville prevailed in overtime. Runner opened the period with a jumper, and despite Illinois State briefly regaining the lead, key free throws from Norkus and a crucial three-pointer from Jelena Savic sealed the 75-70 victory. Runner and Norkus combined to make four free throws in the final seconds to secure the win.
Looking Ahead
Evansville will face Murray State on Sunday, seeking their first MVC title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. A win would mark their first conference championship since 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game between Evansville and Illinois State?
The final score was Evansville 75, Illinois State 70.
Who led Evansville in scoring?
Camryn Runner led Evansville with 24 points.
When and where will Evansville play Murray State?
Evansville will play Murray State on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 1 PM at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.
What will be key for Evansville as they face the top-seeded Murray State in the championship game?
