Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Women's Basketball to Host Evansville Monday
02/07/2003 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 7, 2003
Skid Reaches 11
Currently on a 11-game losing streak, SIU still searches for its first win over a league opponent this season. The Salukis, who are coming off losses to Bradley (66-43) and Northern Iowa (83-53), hold a school record 15-game skid which was done last season.
What's Your Point?
SIU has scored under 59 points eight times this season. Scoring a season-low 45 points at Bradley (1/31), the Salukis are 0-8 when scoring less than 59 points in a game.
Turnovers Costly
SIU has turned the ball over 114 times in its last six games, including a season-high 32 against Indiana State (1/25). While averaging 19.0 turnovers in each of those contests, the Dawgs' opponents have been taking advantage of the mishaps. In fact, Illinois State (16), Indiana State (21), Middle Tennessee (18) and Bradley (14) have stolen the ball 14 or more times to combine for 69 steals.
Sealed with a Miss
In its last three games, SIU has gone four of six halves making under 10 field goals. Most recently shooting just 5-of-33 (.152) in the second half against Northern Iowa (2/2), the Dawgs also went 9-of-30 (.300) in the second half against Middle Tennessee State (1/28), 6-of-28 (.214) in the first half against Bradley (1/31) and 9-of-36 (.250) in the second half against Bradley (1/31). Additionally, the Salukis have shot under 30 percent in at least one half on 12 occasions this season.
Pinkston Steps Up
Dana Pinkston averaged 2.0 three-pointers per contest in three games last week. Against Northern Iowa (2/2), Pinkston shot 7-of-19 from the field and 4-of-10 from three-point range en route to 25 points. She also made 7-of-8 free throws, dished out three assists and had one steal. Her effort marked the second time this season that she has scored 25 or more points.
Climbing the Charts
Molly McDowell's six points against Northern Iowa (2/2) moved her to 17th on SIU's all-time career scoring list. Currently standing with 1,090, she has scored double figures on 11 occasions this season.
Foul Play
SIU has been hindered by foul trouble as of late. In their last two games, the Salukis committed 46 fouls. In addition, starters Molly McDowell, Katie Berwanger and Hillary Phillips picked up three or more fouls in each of those contests.
Series History
SIU leads the all-time series 14-12 over Evansville, however, the Purple Aces have won nine out of the last 10 meetings between the two teams.
Last Time Around
SIU nearly overcame a 22-point lead in both teams' last meeting which ended in a 95-85 Evansville decision on Jan. 11 at Roberts Stadium. The inside tandem of Jamie Gray and Jenna Hayes were too much for the Salukis to handle. Gray scored 31 points, while Hayes pitched in 21 to symie SIU. Molly McDowell scored a career-high 35 points to pace the Dawgs. Her effort currently ranks as the most points scored in a single game by any player in the MVC this season.
The Coaches
Lori Opp (Western Illinois, '88) is 17-55 in her third year as head coach of SIU. Eight of Opp's 17 wins have come against non-conference opponents. Meanwhile, Tricia Cullop (Purdue, '93) carries a career record of 37-39.
About the Salukis
Mired in a 11-game losing streak, SIU still searches for its first win over a league opponent this season. Coming off a 83-53 loss at Northern Iowa (2/2), the Salukis are led by senior guard Molly McDowell who has ranked as the only SIU player averaging double figures all season. McDowell, who scores 12.6 points per game, leads the Dawgs in nearly every statistical category, including field goals made (73), field goals attempted (168), free throw percentage (.924), assists (66), blocks (15) and steals (39).
About the Purple Aces
Since beating SIU on Jan. 11, Evansville has lost six straight games, including a 86-63 loss to Bradley (2/2). After at one time ranking first in the Valley this season, the Purple Aces have fallen to eighth place among league foes. Jamie Gray leads all Evansville scorers averaging a double-double 17.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. She is followed by Jenna Hayes who scores 13.2 points per contest.
Under 10
Four the second time this season, SIU did not have one player post double figures in points at Bradley (1/31). The Salukis, who shot just 23 percent (15-of-64) were led by Katie Berwanger and Tiffany Crutcher who each had eight points.
Post Play Struggles
SIU's inside game continues to have problems this season. Against Bradley (1/31), the Dawgs were outscored 40-20 inside the paint. Additionally, the Braves held a 50-39 advantage on the boards.
Double Trouble
The Bradley bench and foul trouble proved to be the difference in SIU's 66-45 loss to Bradley Friday. The Braves reserves outscored the Saluki bench 34-15. In addition, SIU committed 26 fouls, as starters Katie Berwanger and Molly McDowell each fouled out.
Nice Work
Molly McDowell currently ranks fifth among NCAA Division I women's basketball leaders in free throw percentage. Through games Jan. 27, McDowell holds a .929 percentage (52-of-56), as she lists behind Morehead State's Kandi Brown (.940), Youngstown State's Jen Perugini (.939), Indiana's Cyndi Valentin (.935) and La Salle's Jill Marano (.933).
