Evansville Upsets Illinois State, Advances to MVC Championship

The 10-seed Aces will face top-seeded Murray State for the conference title and NCAA Tournament berth.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:12am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

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 run 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 on Sunday.

Why it matters

Evansville's victory over Illinois State marks the first time the 10-seed Aces have reached the MVC Championship game, demonstrating their remarkable resilience and momentum. While Murray State is the top seed, Evansville has already proven they are capable of overcoming significant odds, making them a dangerous opponent in the title game.

The details

Evansville started strong, building an 8-2 lead early in the first quarter. The game remained competitive throughout, with multiple lead changes and ties. Illinois State took a 42-41 lead into the fourth quarter, but Evansville prevailed in overtime. Camryn Runner led the Aces with a game-high 24 points, breaking Evansville's single-season records for total points, assists, and free throws made.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • Evansville and Murray State will play the MVC Championship game on Sunday, March 16, 2026 at 1 PM.

The players

Camryn Runner

Led Evansville with a game-high 24 points, along with six rebounds and five assists. Runner broke Evansville's single-season records for total points, assists, and free throws made.

Georgia Cox

Evansville player who hit a three-pointer in the first quarter to help the Aces build an early lead.

Elle Snyder

Evansville player who hit a three-pointer in the first quarter to help the Aces build an early lead.

Jelena Savic

Evansville player who hit a crucial three-pointer in overtime to help seal the victory.

Norkus

Evansville player who made key free throws in overtime to secure the win.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Reaching the championship game as a 10-seed demonstrates remarkable resilience and momentum for Evansville. While Murray State is the top seed, the Aces have already proven they are capable of overcoming significant odds, making them a dangerous opponent.”

— Samantha Carter, Editor-in-Chief, Newsy-Today.com

What’s next

Evansville will face top-seeded Murray State on Sunday, March 16, 2026 at 1 PM at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa, with an NCAA Tournament berth on the line. A win would mark Evansville's first conference championship since 2009.

The takeaway

Evansville's unexpected run to the MVC Championship game as a 10-seed demonstrates the team's remarkable resilience and ability to overcome significant odds. While they face a tough challenge against top-seeded Murray State, the Aces have already proven they are a dangerous opponent capable of pulling off upsets.