ST.LOUIS, MO. - Justin Ward netted a team-high 16 points as 18th-ranked Southern Illinois University Edwardsville rolled past Missouri-St. Louis 82-52 on Saturday night at the Mark Twain Building.
         After falling behind 4-0 in the first two minutes of the game, the Cougars went on a 23-4 run over the next 7:13 to take control of the game. SIUE took a 49-26 lead into halftime and never looked back.
         SIUE held the Rivermen to 25 percent (14-56) shooting for the game. That's the lowest percentage the Cougars have held a team all season long. It also was the largest conference road victory ever for SIUE.
         The Cougars shot 57 percent from the field for the game and 61.5 percent (8-13) from behind the three point arc as four SIUE players finished in double figures.
         SIUE improves to 19-6 overall and 12-4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. UMSL drops to 6-16 overall and 3-13 in the GLVC.
         The Cougars' Dan Heimos recorded his third double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds adding five blocks. Tim Bauersachs added 13 points, shooting 5 of 6 from the field. Joel Jaye finished with 11.
         Freshman J.B. Jones netted nine points with six assists and four rebounds. Kris Crosby added seven points and four rebounds.
         SIUE's 19 wins is the most since the Cougars finished the 1989-90 season with 21 victories. The win was the Cougars' largest GLVC win since defeating St. Joseph's 106-68 on Feb. 15, 1997.
         The Cougars will be back at the Vadalabene Center on Thursday night when Kentucky Wesleyan comes to town. Tip off is set for 7:30.
                  -siue cougars-