by Emily Reese
INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indy Jaguars fell just short on Saturday night, dropping an 85-80 decision to the Southern Illinois Salukis in a hard-fought contest in the Jungle. Despite a career-high 37 points from sophomore Shania Nichols-Vannett, the Jaguars couldn’t overcome a third quarter surge from Southern Illinois.
The game started with both teams evenly matched, as they finished the first quarter tied at 21-21. IU Indy shot 50.0 percent from the field in the opening stanza, with Nichols-Vannett leading the charge, scoring nine points.
Southern Illinois’ offense came alive in the second quarter, outscoring the Jaguars 22-15 to take a 43-36 lead at halftime. Despite shooting 54.5 percent from the field, IU Indy struggled with turnovers, committing seven in the second quarter, which allowed the Salukis to capitalize and take control.
Southern Illinois extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Jags 20-17. The Salukis were dominant on the boards, outrebounding IU Indy 13-7. While the Jaguars’ shooting cooled off, hitting just 4 of 14 shots in the period, they remained within striking distance heading into the final quarter, down by 10, 63-53.
IU Indy mounted a strong comeback in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to just four points with a minute to go. The Jags outscored Southern Illinois 27-22 in the final frame, but the Salukis held their ground and sealed the victory with free throws in the closing moments, winning 85-80.
Nichols-Vannett’s 37-point performance was the highlight of the night for IU Indy. She shot an efficient 9-of-12 from the field and was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, hitting 17 of 18 attempts. In addition to her scoring, she grabbed six rebounds.
