(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Free throw shooting is key down the stretch in close games.
         The Cougars finished the night only shooting 50 percent from the line (7-14) as they dropped a close one to Lewis 62-58 in Romeoville, Ill.
         SIUE, 16-7 overall and 11-6 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, converted 7 of 14 from line while Lewis hit 22 of 27 from the line, including 14 of 17 in the second half, to hold on for the win. The Cougars finished the night shooting 45.1 percent from the field (23-51). Lewis improves to 10-13 overall and 7-10 in the conference.
         Crystal Gladson led the Cougars with 17 points and finished the evening 8 of 9 from the field. Misi Clark scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds. Sarah Larson came off the bench and recorded 13 points while Jill Johnson led the team in rebounding with nine boards.
         Andrea Gunnell pumped in 17 points for the Flyers while converting 6 of 6 from the line. Jennifer Simon also finished in double figures with 12 points and led the team with seven rebounds. Simon was 8 of 10 from the free throw line.
         The Cougars return to conference action on Saturday when they travel to Wisconsin-Parkside for a 1 p.m. game.
                 -siue-