(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) - Sarah Cook's two free throws in the final minutes sealed the victory for the Cougars against No. 18 Bellarmine this evening. The 84-79 victory was the first ever win for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's team in Louisville, Ky., ending a 0-7 streak. The Cougars also extended its win streak this season to eight consecutive games, seven straight in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
         SIUE, 13-4 overall and 8-3 in the conference, led 12-9 with 14:50 in the first half before Bellarmine responded with three consecutive three-pointers to go ahead 18-12. The Knights maintained the lead for the remainder of the first half while shooting 54 percent, including 6 of 6 from beyond the arc. The Cougars responded in the second half by shooting 55 percent and finished the game with season-low 10 turnovers. Bellarmine falls to 14-3 overall and 9-2 in the GLVC. The loss was the first at home this season for the Knights, who entered the contest 7-0 at home.
         Misi Clark and Megan Grizzle each scored 15 points to lead the Cougars offensively. Clark extends her double figure-scoring streak to 84 consecutive games. Jessica Robert pumped in 13 points, including three three-point baskets. Jill Johnson and Sarah Cook also finished in double figures by pumping in 10 points each. All of Johnson's points came in the first half. Cook was 4 of 4 from the field in 18 minutes off the bench. Her final two points came at the line and put the Cougars ahead for good.
         The Cougars look to extend their winning streak as they travel to IUPU-Fort Wayne on Thursday for a 5:30 p.m. EST match up.
                  -siue-