EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's basketball ran its winning streak to a season-high five games Tuesday with a 70-56 triumph over Murray State at the Vadalabene Center.

Michaela Herrod pumped in her second straight double-double with an impressive 19-point, 18-rebound effort as SIUE improved to 7-12 overall. Murray State dropped to 6-14.

The game was back and forth for the first half and the early part of the second half. The two teams tied five times and exchanged the lead 13 times.

"Our team is much more confident than we were a month ago, and they believe they can win," said SIUE Head Coach Amanda Levens.

SIUE grabbed the lead for good with 16:40 to play on a layup by Courtney Kenner. The Cougars then would build their first double-digit lead of the night with an 18-6 run over the next eight minutes.

Cougar freshman Jazmin Hill would recover from a sluggish half of shooting in the first 20 minutes to finish with 14 points. She connected on four three pointers Tuesday and now has hit at least two in each of her last 12 games.

Raven Berry added 12 points and six rebounds, helping the Cougars shoot 51.7 percent (15-29) in the second half.

Herrod picked up 11 of her rebounds in the first half but scored 13 of her 19 points in the second half. The Cougar sophomore finished the game 6 of 15 from the field and 7 of 8 from the free throw line.

"It seemed like Michaela got every defensive rebound. She does a great job pursuing the ball. She is so elusive and quick that if she keeps moving, she can get her hands on the ball," Levens said.

Levens also pointed to Kenner's performance. She led the team with five assists and three rebounds.

"The stats don't reveal how valuable Courtney is to our team. She keeps the team together and on the same page," Levens said.

Mariah Robinson led the Racers with 14 points despite shooting 5 of 19 from the field. Rachael Isom added 11 points. Jessica Winfrey recorded 11 rebounds.

SIUE won the battle of the boards 46-35, including 18 offensive rebounds. The Cougars accumulated 17 second-chance points.

"This team is light-hearted and when they have a lot of fun they play better," added Levens.

The Cougars now head to West Lafayette, Ind., for a Thursday matchup with the Boilermakers. Tip-off time is set for 6 p.m. CT and can be heard on WSIE FM 88.7.

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