Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Nebraska
SIU Women Drop Season Opener to Nebraska, 88-47
11/16/2001 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 16, 2001
Lincoln, Neb. - Holly Teague, Geshla Woodard and Megan Miller each scored eight points to lead Southern Illinois University as the Salukis fell to Big 12 foe Nebraska by a score of 88-47 Friday in both teams' season opener at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.
The Cornhuskers (1-0) opened the game with a 10-0 run as SIU's Woodard got into early foul trouble. After being whistled for three quick fouls, Woodard was then forced to sit most of the first half as Nebraska coasted to a 48-18 lead at the break.
Nebraska, who proved to be a much taller and stronger match for the Salukis, took control of the boards where it gathered 32 rebounds to SIU's 17. Pulling down an impressive 18 offensive rebounds to the Salukis' lone one, the Cornhuskers also shot 37 percent (17-of-46) compared to the Salukis' quiet 33 percent (6-of-8). Nebraska's quickness was also too much for the Dawgs to handle as its defense smothered SIU into committing 18 first half turnovers.
Southern Illinois began the second half scoring the first two baskets of the stanza en route to building a 10-6 run in which Woodard scored eight points before picking up her fourth foul. Following the run, SIU narrowed the margin to 54-28 with 15:00 remaining, but that was as close as it would get allowing Nebraska to run away with the 88-47 win.
Foul trouble was truly the cause of many SIU problems for the night as Woodard, Miller and Tiffany Crutcher each fouled out. Crutcher was SIU's second leading scorer netting seven points to go along with a career high 11 rebounds. For Nebraska, 11-of-12 players scored to cap off a stunning, yet balanced scoring attack.
SIU, now 0-1 on the year, will return home to host Saint Louis on Monday, Nov. 19 at the SIU Arena. Tip off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Notes: Molly McDowell did not start for the Salukis after suffering a mild concussion in the team's exhibition game against Goldstar. Her replacement, freshman Danette Jones, made her first collegiate start and scored seven points.
