(EVANSVILLE, Ind.) The No. 3-seed Cougars were unable to overcome an 18-point deficit at halftime as they fell 57-45 to the No. 2-seed Northern Kentucky in the semifinal game this afternoon at Roberts Stadium in Evansville, Ind.
         SIUE, 20-8, committed 13 turnovers in the first half and shot 7-of-22 from the field as it entered the half trailing 37-19. Northern Kentucky scored 26 of its 37 points off turnovers and second chance opportunities in the first half.
         "We just didn't shoot the ball well," said Coach Wendy Hedberg. "We missed inside shots and just did not finish. And of course, the turnovers were critical."
         The Cougars finished the afternoon 16-of-45 from the field (35.6) while Northern Kentucky shot 37.3 percent (19-51). SIUE held the Norse to 22.7 percent in the second half.
         "I believe we can play with them, but you can't commit the number of turnovers we did and expect to win."
         Misi Clark finished the game with 13 points while Jessica Robert added 11. Jill Johnson led the team with six rebounds.
         Michelle Cottrell led the Norse with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Jessica Jenson also finished in double figures with 12 points.
                 -siue-