EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - North Dakota kept Southern Illinois University Edwardsville off balance Sunday in a 69-52 women's basketball loss at the Vadalabene Center.

SIUE will get more opportunity to lace up the shoes Tuesday when it plays its season finale at 7 p.m. against South Dakota. 

The Cougars, 5-23, suffered from a down first half Sunday, finding themselves down by 35-18 at halftime. SIUE missed all eight of its three-point attempts in the first half and North Dakota countered by hitting 16 of 32 from the field. 

"It is tough to overcome the slow start," admitted SIUE Coach Amanda Levens. 

The Cougars picked up 16 points and 10 rebounds from Melia Duncan. The Cougar freshman tied her season high in scoring after shooting 6 of 11 from the field. 

"Melia shot the ball very well today," said Levens. "It was a very impressive game for Melia." 

The only other player for the Cougars in double figures was Sydney Winslow with 13 points, who like Duncan came off the bench on senior day. 

North Dakota senior Kierah Kimbrough outshined everyone with a monster day of 29 points and nine rebounds. Kimbrough shot 13 of 18 from the field.