Southern Illinois University
8-13, 4-7MVC
Wichita State
8-15, 2-9MVC
Women's Basketball snaps four-game skid against Wichita State
02/10/2008 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 10, 2008
By Shalae Patrick
www.siusalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois women's basketball team put three players in double digits, out-rebounding Wichita State by 10 to snap a four-game losing streak, beating the Shockers, 66-54, in Missouri Valley Conference play Sunday afternoon.
The Salukis (8-13, 4-7 MVC) swept the Shockers (8-15, 2-9 MVC) taking the first meeting between the two teams 66-61 in Wichita Jan. 10. The win Sunday gives the Salukis their first sweep in the Valley this season.
The Shockers jumped out to a 2-0 lead to start the game. The Salukis countered with an Erin Pauk jumper for the tie. WSU went up 3-2 on a free throw before SIU went on an 8-to-0 run and take the lead for good.
The Salukis led by as many as 15 points twice in the first half, taking an 11-point advantage into the locker room at the half, 33-22.
Wichita State came within nine points at the start of the second half, 35-26, before SIU's Kaci Bailey answered with two 3-pointers in the Salukis' next two trips down the court. Bailey finished with 12 points, 4-of-8 from beyond the arc.
Ellen Young led the Salukis with a game-high 20 points, including 4-of-8 from 3-point land. Jayme Sweere also added a double-double on the day with 15 points, 10 boards. The senior guard/forward also pitched in four assists, two steals and a block.
Erica Smith grabbed a game-high 12 boards, while Erin Pauk dished out a game-high five assists.
The Shockers leading scorer Kiki Stephens put up 20 points, 10 rebounds to lead her team, while Whitney Rice added 10 points, the only two WSU players in double-digits.
Southern Illinois takes to the road for a two game swing to Nebraska and Iowa. The Salukis take on Creighton Thursday, Feb. 14 before traveling to Drake Saturday, Feb. 16. SIU will visit DU for a 6:05 p.m. tip-off broadcast on Mediacom in southern Illinois.
