Nov. 27, 2009

Box Score

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - New Mexico State used a quick first-half start and held on for a 73-64 victory over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at the Hotel Encanto Thanksgiving Classic.

SIUE freshman Raven Berry was on fire from the field, hitting 10 of 14 shots for 22 points. She tied her career high in rebounds with nine and set a new personal best for steals with four.

SIUE Coach Amanda Levens said Berry's teammates were a big part of the picture. "I think we did a good job of getting her the ball," said Levens. Levens said Courtney Kenner and Whitney Champlin played well for the Cougars. Melia Duncan grabbed six offensive rebounds as SIUE outrebounded the Aggies overall 35-34.

SIUE, 1-5, now takes on Stephen F. Austin in the second day of the tourney. Game time is 5 p.m. MT.

New Mexico State, the host of the tournament, got off to a quick start against the Cougars. The Aggies scored the first seven points of the contest and leaped out to as much as a 20-point lead in the first half.

Levens said the Cougars played well after the 10 minute mark of the first half. "We got off to a slow start, and they hit their shots early," she said.

The Aggies used a balanced scoring attack led by 16 points from Madison Spence and 13 each from Tabytha Wampler, Jasmine Lowe and Kaitlyn Soto.

Madison Meade picked up 16 points for SIUE, including three three-pointers. "It was nice to have that inside and outside game going," said Levens.

The Cougars would pound the ball into the paint in the second half, powered by Berry's presence. SIUE would outscore the Aggies 26-6 in the paint during the second half.

New Mexico State took advantage of SIUE's foul troubles by hitting 26 of 34 from the free throw line. The Cougars would manage 10 of 18 from the charity stripe.

"We have to play a complete game. That's what we haven't done," said Levens.

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