HIGHLAND HTS., KY. - Northern Kentucky jumped out to a 15-point lead in the first eight minutes of the game and didn't look back in a 69-48 triumph over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in women's college basketball Saturday afternoon.
         SIUE dropped below .500 to 6-7 overall and 3-4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Northern Kentucky, ranked No. 23 in the NCAA Division II poll, improved to 10-3, 6-2.
         SIUE couldn't find an answer to NKU's Amy Mobley, who led all scorers with 26 points. NKU's Bridget Flanagan added 16 points for the Norse.
         The Cougars had just one player in double figures. Ruth Kipping scored 12 points as SIUE was held to 38 percent shooting for the game.
         Northern Kentucky led SIUE 21-6 with 12:36 to play on a jumper from Sharell Snardon. SIUE cut into the lead and was as close as four points before heading to the locker room at halftime down 35-28.
         SIUE's offense struggled in the second half with 28 percent shooting. Flanagan and Mobley added more pressure by hitting nine three-pointers in the game.
         SIUE now returns home for two GLVC home games beginning Thursday. SIUE faces Saint Joseph's on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and Wisconsin-Parkside on Saturday at 1 p.m.
        
                  -siue cougars-