Southern Illinois University
4-6, 0-1MVC
Evansville
8-4, 1-0MVC
Women's Basketball drops league-opener at Evansville
01/02/2009 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 2, 2009
By Shalae Patrick
www.siusalukis.com
EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The Evansville (8-4, 1-0) women's basketball team put three players in double-figures out-scoring Southern Illinois (4-6, 0-1), 39-to-27, in the second half to hand the Salukis their first loss of the Missouri Valley Conference season in the league opener for both teams Friday night in Roberts Stadium.
The Salukis bounced back from an eight-point deficit in the first half to lead by seven at the break, 38-31.
The Purple Aces retaliated in the second period, taking 16 shots in the final four minutes play, including draining 13-straight free throws and making two of three jumpers from the field.
The game was tied, 63-all with 1:26 left in the contest before Jasmine Gibson put the Salukis ahead on a jumper, 65-64, the final lead of the game.
UE forced a turnover and two missed SIU threes in the final minute of play pulling away on a jumper and four free throws for the win.
Gibson led the Salukis with 14 points and eight boards, while Olivia Lett opened her first MVC season with 12 points and four rebounds. Fellow freshmen Eryn Stepherson recorded a career-high 11 points, three assists in her Valley debut.
Amy Gallagher paced the Aces with a game-high 19 points and four boards while Ashley Austin and Shannon Novosel pitched in 18 and 16 respectively.
Despite shooting 60 percent (27-of-45) from the field, the Salukis turned the ball over 20 times, the Aces turning those turnovers into 28 points. UE was held to 48 percent (24-of-50) from the field, but committed just 11 turnovers.
The Salukis stay on the road, returning to action Friday, Jan. 9 at Bradley before taking on Northern Iowa Sunday, Jan. 11.
