Tiffin University (0-1) could not hold a 10-point second-half lead, falling in the closing seconds to Illinois-Springfield 65-61.

The game was close throughout and featured 11 lead changes with 5 tie scores. 

The Dragons trailed just 33-32 at the half, winning the first quarter 13-9 while UIS took the second quarter 24-19. The Dragons used strong shooting 55 percent in the first quarter and 61 percent in the second quarter to keep the game close.

The hot shooting continued for TU, leading them to a 10-point lead with 4:31 left in the third quarter.

Turnovers plagued the Dragons throughout the game, though, as 29 total turnovers led to 32 points for UIS. 

With the game tied 53-53 with 3:54 to play, UIS went on a 6-0 run that gave them a 59-53 lead with 2:17 to play.

UIS still led by 6 with 41 seconds left when Tiffin made a final run. Catara Dejarnette hit a shot in the paint then stole the ball and converted another bucket to bring the score to 61-59.

Tomi Hinkle's bucket inside with 18 seconds left brought TU to within a point at 62-61 but again UIS converted a free throw to put its lead at two points.

After missing the back end of a one-and-one, the Dragons grabbed the rebound with a chance to tie with 17 seconds left. A TU turnover, though, put UIS back at the free throw line for two more shots that sealed the win.

Savanah Richards led the team with 12 points, while Kirsten Williams also reached double figures with 11 points.

Dejarnette finished with 9 points and a team-high 7 rebounds, while Hinkle also had 7 points. Presley Feltner had 6 points with 5 rebounds while Dejarnette, Williams, Feltner, and Kaitlyn Moeller all had 3 assists.

TU finished shooting 54 percent in the game while UIS finished at 39 percent, but UIS did convert 10 free throws to Tiffin's 6. 

The Dragons now take on Purdue Northwest at 3 pm on Nov. 11.