DALLAS, Texas – SIUE will face Clemson in the consolation game of the SMU Hoops for the Cure Classic after falling 64-46 Friday night to host SMU.

The Cougars will next play at 5 p.m. Saturday against the Tigers which lost to Montana State 58-52. Clemson enters Saturday's game with an 0-4 record. SIUE dropped to 2-3 for the season. SMU improved to 4-1.  

Tierny Austin turned in another strong offensive performance with 16 points and six rebounds. CoCo Moore added eight points and a career-best 10 rebounds.

SIUE Head Coach Paula Buscher said allowing SMU 32 free throws attempts and SIUE's 28 turnovers caused for problems.

"We need to play a little more disciplined with the basketball," Buscher said.

SMU's bench played a key role in its win. Gabrielle Wilkins recorded a unique double-double off the bench with 12 points and 10 steals. Overall, the Mustangs outscored the Cougars 37-14 off the bench.

SIUE outrebounded the Mustangs 39-32 led by Moore's 10. "We're still battling in there," Buscher said.

The Cougars held strong with the Mustangs in the first five minutes of the game. The Cougars held an early 6-5 lead on a pair of free throws by Austin. She finished the game with a career best 10 of 10 from the free throw line.

Kiara Conner's layup with 14:55 to play in the first half tied the game 10-10. The Mustangs would take advantage of SIUE turnovers to go on a 22-2 run for the next 10 minutes of play. SIUE scored the final six of the half and fell behind 32-18 at halftime.

Buscher said controlling the tempo is something the Cougars will need to improve upon. "We have a short turnaround, and I need to make sure this team is ready to play," Buscher said.