Southern Illinois University
0-1
DePaul
1-0
Women's Basketball falls in season opener to #25 DePaul
11/10/2007 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 10, 2007
By Shalae Patrick
www.siusalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The 25th ranked DePaul Blue Demons shot over 50 percent from the field to take down Southern Illinois, 78-63, in the Salukis' home opener in SIU Arena Saturday night.
Southern shot 38 percent on the night putting three players in double-figures, dropping their second-straight season opener.
"That's going to be the best team that comes into SIU Arena all year," Saluki head coach Dana Eikenberg said of the Blue Demons. "They're a phenomenal team with phenomenal guards, balanced from one to 15. They have great chemistry and great leadership, and I thought we battled hard at times with three freshman out there, and different lineups."
The up-state rival that clearly out-sized the Salukis with eight players that met or exceeded the six-foot barrier, came out to an early 14-point lead 16-2 to start the game. SIU never backed down, cutting the lead to just six 39-33 with just under a minute to play in the half.
The Blue Demons took a 42-33 lead into the locker room at halftime, then marched their lead up to 20 to start the second half with just over 15 minutes to play in the contest.
Southern turned it on with just over six minutes left, going on a 10 to 1 run cutting the DU lead to 11 with 3:29 remaining in regulation, but it wasn't enough.
Junior guard Erica Smith led the Salukis with 18 points, a team-high six boards, four assists and three steals, while freshman guard Tanaeya Worden came off the bench for 17 points and two steals in her regular-season debut. Junior Jasmine Gibson also put herself in double-digits with 10 points.
Despite the size differential, DU out-rebounded SIU just 39 to 36, Southern winning the battle on the offensive glass 11 to 10.
DePaul guard Allie Quigley led the Blue Demons with a game-high 25 points, shooting 11-of-22 from the field. Deirdre Naughton and Natasha Williams added 23 and 13 points respectively, while Williams posted a game-high 11 boards and seven blocks.
Southern will host Christian Brothers Monday night in SIU Arena for a 7:05 p.m. tip-off before taking the road for the first time this season visiting in-state rival Illinois Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.
