FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – SIUE women's basketball closed out the 2012-13 season Thursday with a 63-41 loss at Arkansas.

SIUE Head Coach Paula Buscher directed her five seniors – Raven Berry, Kiara Conner, Michaela Herrod, Courtney Kenner, and Brooke Smith – for one last time. The Cougars completed the season with a 16-15 record in Buscher's first season at SIUE.

"I'm really proud of the seniors," said Buscher. "They have given a lot to this university and to this team."

Buscher said the last game is always tough for the senior class. It marks the end of an era but also creates a bond that will never be broken. "They will always be a part of this program," she added.

Berry led SIUE in scoring with 15 points and was the lone Cougar in double figures. Berry completed her career with 1,499 points and a school-record 1,040 rebounds. Herrod finished with eight points and a team-leading 10 rebounds.

"Raven stepped up and had a good game tonight," Buscher said. "Michaela stepped up and played the way we knew should could."

The fans at Bud Walton Arena watched as Arkansas went on a 17-2 run to start the game and went on to victory.

Arkansas, 19-12, scored more than half of its points from players coming off the bench. Sarah Watkins led all scorers with 17 points followed by 14 from Erin Gatling. Starter Calli Berna turned in a strong effort from the perimeter with 12 assists. Overall, 37 of Arkansas' 63 points were scored from players coming off non-starters.

SIUE committed 23 turnovers and did not make a three-pointer for the game. Buscher said that during the offseason her players need to put the time and effort in not only to stay in shape but to improve their overall game.

Moving forward, Buscher said she expects hard work from all involved.

"It's more about how we play the game and the intensity level we play," said Buscher.