EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's basketball scored its sixth straight home court victory Monday with a 60-51 triumph over Southeast Missouri at the Vadalabene Center.

SIUE improved to 9-15 overall and now has less than 24 hours to prepare for its next opponent. The Cougars take on Tennessee Tech, their final game against an Ohio Valley Conference opponent this season, at 5:30 p.m. for Senior Night. It is the final home game of the season before finishing off the season with five consecutive games on the road.

Sophomore Raven Berry was the star for the Cougars with her eighth double-double of the season. The 6-foot, 1-inch sophomore scored a game-high 21 points and grabbed a team-best 12 rebounds.

"Raven played big. When she's got that bounce in her step and is quick off the floor, she is probably the best post player in the OVC," said SIUE Head Coach Amanda Levens.

Michaela Herrod nearly picked up her third double-double of the season after finishing with 13 points and nine rebounds. Jazmin Hill rebounded from a sluggish start to finish with 12 points, including three three-pointers.

The Cougars doubled their offensive output from the first half to the second half. SIUE struggled with offense, shooting 23.3 percent (7 of 30) from the field in the opening half.

"The team calmed down and got their composure at halftime, and came out and played a new half without dwelling on the first half," said Levens. "The first half we worked hard, but did not work smart."

Down 26-20 at halftime, SIUE turned everything around by shooting 52 percent from the field in the second half. SIUE scored 40 of its 60 points during the final 20 minutes.

Courtney Shiffer powered the SEMO offense with 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Shelah Fields added 11 points off the bench. SEMO fell to 8-19 overall and has two more games left as it aims to make the field for the OVC Tournament.

The Cougars battled for their most lopsided effort in rebounding. SIUE outrebounded the Redhawks 47-27. It was the most rebounds SIUE had pulled down in a game all season.

"We are on the team to pursue every shot. They have committed to that and Sydney (Stahlberg) sets the tone. She is willing to give up her body to try and come up with the basketball," Levens said.

SIUE is now 6-5 against OVC teams this season heading into Tuesday's matchup with the Golden Eagles.

"We are excited for the back-to-back since it gives good experience for our team for the conference tournament in two years," Levens said.

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