Feb. 21, 2010

VERMILLION, S.D. - South Dakota scored its final nine points of the game off free throws and collected a 63-52 victory over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in women's college basketball action.

The Cougars and the Coyotes played a physical game, according to SIUE Head Coach Amanda Levens. SIUE made several pushes but came only as close as a two-point deficit with 2:24 to play. South Dakota would then hit nine free throws over the final two minutes to keep the Cougars at bay.

"It came down to who could make the plays down the stretch," said SIUE Coach Amanda Levens.

Raven Berry provided a bulk of the Cougars' offense with 20 points and 11 rebounds. The Cougar freshman recorded a double-double for the fourth time this season. Ashley Bey added 11 points for the Cougars.

"She played fantastic on both ends of the floor," said Levens of Berry. "We had a good team effort but just came up short."

Amber Hegge led the Coyotes in scoring with 16 points off a 6-for-7 effort from the field. Jasmine Mosley added 15 points.

"We had a stretch in the second half where we didn't defend well," said Levens.

Neither team shot well from the field. SIUE shot 30.5 percent (18-59) while the Coyotes finished at 40.7 percent (22-54).

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