Tim Bauersachs scored a career-high 19 points as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville opened the regular season with 91-51 thumping of Lincoln Christian in men's college basketball action on Monday.
         SIUE has now won 12 consecutive homecourt season openers thanks to a strong offensive effort and a relentless ball-pressure defense.
         The Cougars shot 62.5 percent from the field in the second half and finished the game 36 of 64 from the field. SIUE dominated the boards, outrebounding Lincoln Christian 38-21.
         The strong team play was quite evident for the Cougars as it collected 31 assists led by nine from freshman starter J.B. Jones.
         Three other Cougars finished in double figures in scoring. Justin Ward scored 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Joel Jaye scored 11 points in his first career start for the Cougars. Anthony Jones scored 10 points off the bench.
         Lincoln Christian was led by 15 points from Frank McCallum.
         SIUE now heads to Saginaw, Mich., for a 7 p.m. matchup against Saginaw Valley State. The Cougars also play at Murray State on Saturday with tip-off set for 7:15 p.m.
                  -siue cougars-