Southern Illinois University
Wichita St
Women's Basketball Loses to Wichita State in Season Finale
03/10/2003 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
March 9, 2003
Wichita, Kan. - Four of five Wichita State (14-13, 8-10) starters scored in double figures led by April Banks' 24 points in a 82-70 win over Southern Illinois (7-20, 3-15) earlier today at O'Shaughnessy Hall.
The win marked the Shockers' ninth straight over the Salukis. It also helped WSU become the sixth Valley opponent to post a two-game sweep over SIU this season.
SIU battled to a 30-30 tie at the half, but fell victim to a sizzling 60 percent shooting effort by WSU in the game's final 20 minutes. The Shockers hit 15-of-25 field goals to go along with 20-of-26 free throws to put the Salukis away.
Angela Buckner followed Banks' leading effort with a double-double 17 points and 10 rebounds. Raeven King (15) and Alisha Cade (10) rounded out the balanced attack.
The Salukis were led by Molly McDowell who scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds. For McDowell, her 24-point effort marked the eighth time this season that she has scored 22 or more points in a game. Additionally, McDowell made 11-of-11 free throws to finish the season on a streak of 23 consecutive makes at the charity stripe. Tiffany Crutcher also scored 12 points to help pace the Dawgs.
SIU ended its 2002-03 season on a four-game losing streak, finishing last in the MVC for the second straight year. The Salukis also missed making the league's postseason tournament for the third consecutive season under head coach Lori Opp.
