EDWARDSVILLLE, ILL. -- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's basketball jumped out to a 21-7 lead early and didn't look back in a 72-55 victory over Ferris State on Saturday.
         SIUE improved to 2-0 on the season while Ferris State, which is ranked No. 18 in the NABC preseason poll, dropped to 0-2.
         The Cougars finished with four players in double figures led by Justin Ward with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Ryan Belcher scored 13, Doug Taylor added 12, and Nick Arth chipped in 10 points.
         Dennis Springs powered the Ferris State offense with 22 points, including six three-pointers. Jessie York added 10 points.
         After SIUE led early, Ferris State fought back to within eight points at halftime at 32-24. In the second half, SIUE pushed the lead back into double digits on a three-pointer by Ty Johnson with 14:43 left. Ferris State could not get any closer than 10 points the rest of the way.
         The Cougars take to the road on Tuesday, facing Southwest Baptist. Game time is 8 p.m.
                  -siue cougars-