Southern Illinois University
0-2
Tennessee State
1-1
Tennessee State tops Women's Basketball 57-43
11/16/2010 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 16, 2010
By Bill Ford
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Southern Illinois women's basketball team fell to Tennessee State 57-43 Tuesday night despite a 12-rebound advantage and a double-double from junior Charnise Mitchell.
Much like its season opener against UT Martin, the Salukis put out a solid defensive effort but just couldn't get shots to fall against the Lady Tigers.
"Defensively, I thought we were even better than we were the other night," SIU coach Missy Tiber said. "Offensively, we are horrible. And as a coach, we have to figure something out."
The Salukis jumped out to an 8-2 lead in the game, but the offense quickly went stagnant as shot after shot clanged off the rim. Southern went into halftime down 33-17 after shooting just 4-of-31 from the field (12.9 percent) while going 0-for-10 from beyond the arc.
"Right now, I can not get my kids to understand a good shot and a bad shot," Tiber said. "It's trying right now. We're going through some very serious growing pains."
The second half saw an improved offensive output as the Salukis out-scored TSU 26-24 after the break, but the early deficit proved too much. Southern out-rebound the Lady Tigers 51-39 for the game, including 22 offensive rebounds, but couldn't find a way to make their second chances count.
Southern shot 23.2 percent from the field (13-for-56) for the game and 0-for-15 from the 3-point line.
"We just have to find a way to score," said senior guard Eboni Crayton. "It's just that simple -- put the ball in the basket."
Mitchell led the Salukis with 11 points and 10 rebounds for her first double-double as a Saluki. Teri Oliver and Crayton both scored six points for the Salukis while freshman CiCi Shannon added 10 rebounds.
The Salukis fell to 0-2 on the season heading into their third consecutive home game Friday, Nov. 19 against Northern Illinois.
"I still think there is hope. I still think that we can be better," Tiber said. "It's growing pains, and hopefully we'll work through it."
