Jan. 2, 2010

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Bowling Green converted 32 of 40 free throws Saturday in a 70-57 victory over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in women's college basketball action.

The Cougars shot better than the Falcons from the field and from three-point range but could not overcome 26 fouls which led to the 40 free throw attempts. SIUE finished 9 of 15 from the free throw line.

SIUE, 2-13, finished the game 22 of 58 (37.9 percent) from the field, including a 7-for-10 performance for Raven Berry. The freshman center led SIUE in scoring with 15 points.

"We played really well. I was really proud of our team," said SIUE Coach Amanda Levens.

Michaela Herrod, making her third start of the season, scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Kate Affourtit came off the bench for a season-high 10 points.

Levens said Herrod earned the start after a good practice previous to the game. Levens and her coaching staff have been looking for someone to step up.

"Hopefully, that type of performance will continue," said Levens.

Bowling Green forward Lauren Prochaska led all scorers with 27 points. She recorded three three-pointers and was 10 of 12 from the free throw line. Tamika Nurse and Tara Breske joined Prochaska in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Nurse was 9 of 11 from the free throw line.

SIUE's defense held Bowling Green to 30.4 percent shooting. But foul trouble kept the Cougars on the defense. Ashley Bey fouled out of the game and two others Cougars finished the game with four fouls.

After falling behind 34-25 at halftime, SIUE mad e a 9-0 run to start the second half. Courtney Kenner made a three-point basket to tie the game 34-34 with 17:29 to play. "Our girls did a good job of executing the game plan," noted Levens.

The Falcons, now 10-4, then regrouped for a 9-1 run of their own during a two-minute period midway through the second half.

SIUE now returns home for a matchup with Illinois State on Monday. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Vadalabene Center.

-siue cougars-