Behind an all-around game from junior Whitney Sykes, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's basketball team defeated a tough Ferris State squad 77-64 Saturday at the Vadalabene Center.
         Sykes posted her first career double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. The 10 rebounds set a career-high for Sykes. Her four three pointers and 9 of 10 free throws made were crucial to the Cougars' win.
         SIUE exploded offensively in the second half with a 16-2 run midway through the half. Sykes hit two of her four thre-pointers during the run.
         The Cougars improved their record to 9-2 overall while Ferris State dropped to 8-4 overall.
         SIUE shot an impressive 94.7 percent (18 of 19) from the free throw line helping to ice the victory.
         The Cougars also had another strong showing from Amber Shelton, who put up 20 points along with four assists and one steal.
         Elyse Morris was the other Cougar to reach double figures with 10 points along with her three steals.
         Ferris State, which led at halftime 27-25, was led by three players who reached double figures including Kristin Reinhart with 20 off the bench, Rachel Folcik with 17 and Teghan Thelen with 12 points.
         The Cougars' next opponent will be Missouri-Rolla at 5:30 p.m. in Rolla, Mo. on Jan. 4.
                  -siue cougars-