WARRENSBURG, Mo. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville won the Central Missouri Classic Tournament Saturday with a 71-61 triumph over Harris-Stowe State in women's college basketball action.
         SIUE improved to 2-0 on the early season by pushing past the Hornets with a 9-0 run over the last three minutes of the game. Whitney Sykes and Elyse Morris sunk two free throws each during the run. Julie Sweetin provided a three-pointer and Jessie Stapleton added a jumper to help seal the win.
         Sykes and Amber Shelton led the Cougars in scoring with 19 points each. Morris was the only other player in double figures with 13 points. Sykes led all players with five three-pointers.
         Harris-Stowe, 1-1, gave fits to the Cougars early as it jumped out to a 6-0 lead before SIUE Coach Wendy Hedberg quickly called a timeout just 1:41 into the game. The Hornets cooled off a bit but held an eight-point lead with 8:04 to play in the first half on a three-pointer by Carmen Weaver, who finished with 12 points.
         SIUE rallied back and tied the score 36-36 when Shelton converted a three-pointer with 5:21 left in the first half. The Cougars closed out the first frame with a 8-0 burst capped off by a Shelton three-pointer with 41 seconds left.
         The Hornets battled in the second half, taking a one-point lead twice in the half. Chanel Ross led Harris-Stowe State with 19 points while Sheri Jones chipped in 17.
         SIUE took control down the stretch, using its 38-29 rebounding advantage and an 11-for-12 performance from the free throw line.
         Next up for the Cougars is a trip to Big Rapids, Mich., for the Ferris State Classic. SIUE faces host Ferris State Friday at 5 p.m. CT followed by a Saturday 3 p.m. CT matchup against Lake Superior State.
                  -siue cougars-