Dec. 11, 2009

Box Score

WICHITA, Kan. - SIUE's Melia Duncan led a second-half charge as Wichita State held off the Cougars 68-58 in front of a crowd of 9,196 at Charles Koch Arena.

More than 8,000 youngsters were on hand for a Schoolhouse Rocks promotion at the women's basketball game. It was the fourth-largest crowd ever for Wichita State. The youngsters saw Wichita State take a 21-point in the second half only for the Cougars to make a run. The Cougars came within five points at 63-58 with 34 seconds left before Wichita State hit five of its last six free throws to keep the SIUE at bay.

SIUE Head Coach Amanda Levens said she was proud of her team's performance. Although the Cougars were down 37-20 at halftime, the team still believed.

"They did a good job of not giving up," said Levens.

SIUE, 2-8, picked up 18 points from Duncan, who connected on four three-pointers. Her final three-pointer with 2:02 to play put SIUE within seven points of Wichita State, now 6-2.

Bey also played a key role in SIUE's comeback by drawing fouls in the final minute and converting three free throws.

Jazimen Gordon and Morgan Boyd shared high-scoring honors for the Shockers with 14 points each. Boyd made all four her free throw attempts in the final 25 seconds. Jessica Diamond added 10 points for Wichita State.

SIUE also finished with three players in double figures. After Duncan's 18 points and Bey's 14 points, Madison Meade added 13.

"We played well in the second half," said Levens. SIUE outscored the Shockers 38-31 in the second half with 15 from Duncan and 11 from Meade.

Sydney Stahlberg was a clear presence on the boards. She provided a season-high 15 rebounds for SIUE, including eight off the offensive glass. Stahlberg also scored seven points. SIUE also picked up six rebounds from Erica Askew, who played in her first game of the season.

"That's why we recruited her because we knew she was a good rebounder from the guard position. She gave us some energy off the bench," said Levens of Askew. SIUE won the battle on the boards 45-39.

The Cougars now must make their way up to Madison, Wis., to take on the University of Wisconsin. The Cougars and the Badgers play Sunday at 4 p.m.

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