Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hit its final six free throws and held on for a 61-56 Great Lakes Valley Conference victory over Wisconsin-Parkside Thursday night at the Vadalabene Center.
         Ruth Kipping powered the Cougars with 18 points, including four of the final six free throws. Jessica Robert, who hit SIUE final two free throws with three seconds left, added 12 points for the Cougars.
         SIUE improved to 11-7 and 9-3 in the GLVC. Wisconsin-Parkside is now 4-12 overall and 4-8 in the GLVC.
         The Cougars shot steady throughout, hitting 51 percent of their shots and holding the Ranger to just 41 percent shooting. SIUE also won in the rebounding department 32-24.
         The Cougars hope to win a third straight game on Saturday when they entertain Saint Joseph's in a 5:30 p.m. contest at the Vadalabene Center. It will be the first meeting of the season between the two teams.
                  -siue-