FORT MYERS, Fla. - Junior Melia Duncan's effort on the defensive end late in the game helped the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's basketball team to its second straight win, a 54-50 victory over Seattle University Saturday evening in the FGCU Classic from Alico Arena.

Duncan stepped in front of the Redhawks' Daidra Brown and took the charge with 17.4 seconds remaining in regulation to keep the Cougars in front by one 51-50.

"Just a fantastic play by Melia," said SIUE Head Coach Amanda Levens. "She can help us in so many ways, and makes the plays that don't always show up on the stat sheet. She is on the court at the end of the game for a reason."

Raven Berry added a pair from the charity stripe after being fouled on the ensuing inbounds play to give the Cougars a 53-50 advantage. Michaela Herrod iced the game with a free throw after stealing a pass with one second to play preserving the second SIUE victory in as many days.

Opening the game, Salena Dickerson of Seattle, now 7-21 on the year, scored five of the first seven points as the Redhawks seized an early 5-2 lead.

SIUE, now 11-17 this season, answered quickly with the next six points to take the lead 8-5 with freshman Allyssa Decker and sophomore Courtney Kenner scoring during the run.

The Cougars continued their strong play in the opening half increasing their lead to seven at 21-14 following a jumper by Herrod.

Similar to the game against Longwood on Friday, SIUE allowed a late rally but was able to carry a slim one-point advantage into halftime at 26-25.

The Redhawks reclaimed a 29-28 advantage early in the second half as Carley Butcher converted an easy layup in transition. Herrod countered by converting a three-point play putting SIUE back on top 31-29.

A pair of free throws by Duncan and a layup by Decker increased the lead to 37-29 forcing the Redhawks to call a timeout in an attempt to stop the momentum.

The Redhawks briefly cut into the deficit but Berry hit a three-pointer as the shot clock was about to expire getting the SIUE faithful out of their seats. Berry is now a perfect 2 of 2 from behind the arc this season.

Freshman Jazmin Hill gave the Cougars their largest lead of the game 47-36 with 7:59 remaining in the second half after hitting a three-pointer and a tough jumper in the lane.

Seattle responded by scoring the next nine points to get within two, and later a three-pointer by Elle Kerfoot closed the gap to one, 49-48.

"We had a little bit of a let up but thankfully we had a large enough lead," added Levens.

Still trailing by one, Seattle's Daidra Brown drove hard to the right and made the layup, but it was Duncan stepping up for SIUE taking the charge and negating the go-ahead basket.

The Cougars then sealed the 54-50 victory from the free throw line. Berry's pair gave her a game-high 16 points as three players reached double digits for SIUE. Starters Herrod and Hill finished with 14 and 10 points, respectively.

"When we have three to five players in double figures it shows we are tough to guard," said Levens. "The more balanced we are, the better we play."

SIUE will have to recover quickly before the tournament finale against the host Florida Gulf Coast University at 3:15 pm CT Sunday afternoon.

"It will be a great atmosphere for our players as FGCU has one of the nation's longest active winning streaks," added Levens. "The players will be as prepared as possible and we just have to go out and battle."

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