Southern Illinois University
2-11, 1-2
Bradley
6-8, 2-2
Women's Basketball drops conference game at Bradley, 72-61
01/09/2010 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 9, 2010
By Shalae Patrick
www.SIUSalukis.com
PEORIA, Ill. - The Southern Illinois women's basketball team led by five points at half time, but couldn't overcome a cold second half, falling on the road in Missouri Valley Conference play at Bradley, 72-61.
The Salukis (2-11, 1-2 MVC) scored just 21 second-half points and were out-rebounded for the fourth-straight contest, 45-to-33, by the Braves (6-8, 2-2 MVC).
"I told the kids in locker room at half time that I was extremely pleased with their effort. The right people were hitting the right shots and we were working really hard to get them the ball," Saluki head coach Missy Tiber said. "You've got to give Bradley some credit in the second half. They stepped up their defensive intensity and their game plan was not to let us beat them from behind the 3-point line."
Southern led 40-35 at the break, after shooting 8-of-14 from beyond the 3-point line and recording just four turnovers. Christine Presswood and Teri Oliver combined for 32 first-half points, each draining four threes.
The Braves came out of the locker room hot to go on a 17-to-7 run through the first 10 minutes of the second period. Southern pulled back within four with just under four minutes to play, but couldn't recover as the Braves went on a 10-point run before Oliver banked in a three with 35 seconds left to play.
"I was disappointed in our ability to rebound the basketball and we didn't work together as a group to continue our offense in the second half," Tiber said. "If you want to win on the road you have to play for 40-straight minutes and we just didn't do it.."
Presswood finished with 20 points to lead the Salukis, scoring 18 in the first half. The senior added two assists and three steals. Oliver finished with 17 points, 5-of-6 from beyond the 3-point line.
Stephany Neptune recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 14 points and 13 rebounds, adding four assists and two steals.
The Braves were led by Raisa Taylor with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Jenny Van Kirk and Olivia Allen pitched in 10 points each.
"We've got to figure out how to play 40 minutes of good basketball and we still have to get the players to figure out what they're roles are. They need to be confident in their roles no matter how big or limited they may be in order for us to be successful," Tiber added.
The Salukis return to action Jan. 14 when they host Drake at the annual Field Trip Day. Tip-off is set for 12:05 p.m.
