OMAHA, Neb. – Indiana State put together one of its best defensive efforts of the year, but a last-second 3-point shot by sophomore Anne Thatcher was off the mark as Creighton defeated Indiana State for the fourth consecutive time, 75-72. Creighton moved to 9-3, 3-0 MVC while the Sycamores dropped to 7-4, 0-2 MVC.

Stephanie Lisch hit a jump shot with 52.5 seconds showing on the clock which pulled ISU to within 72-70. Following a missed jumper by Kristi Woodard, Laura Spanheimer grabbed a contested offensive rebound after the ball had tapped around amongst several players. Spanheimer was fouled, but missed the front end of a 1-and-1 opportunity. After Ashley Clark grabbed the rebound to give ISU a shot to win or tie, Spanheimer showed why she is the two-time MVC Defensive Player of the Year, pulling away a steal and allowing Creighton to edge their lead out to four points on a pair of free throws.

Creighton used two fouls that they had to give, then Amy Thrall committed the ‘Jays seventh to send Melanie Boeglin to the line with nine seconds showing. She drained both, then the Sycamores fouled Woodard who hit 1-of-2.

After Boeglin missed a three-pointer with the Sycamores down three points and time dwindling, the ball went out of bounds with one second remaining. Lisch passed on an opportunity to get the ball in early, but hit Thatcher in stride at the top of the key. Thatcher dribbled once to her right, and her 3-point attempt to tie was off as time expired.

Indiana State battled back from down by as many as 11 points in the first half to take a 41-40 lead at the intermission. After an initial surge by Creighton to start the second period, the Sycamores kicked it into another gear to take a 58-53 lead with 10:05 showing on the clock.

The Sycamores had four players in double figures led by Boeglin who scored 22. Ashley Clark added 21 points along with a career-best 13 rebounds, notching her second double-double of the season.

Angie Janis and Spanheimer scored 22 each to lead the ‘Jays.

ISU returns to action on Saturday when they travel to Drake for a 3:05 p.m. (EST) tip against the Bulldogs. With tonight’s loss, ISU moves to 2-34 all-time on the Creighton/Drake roadswing.

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