KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Four players scored in double figures in Friday's opener of the Plaza Lights Classic, but SIUE was defeated by Stephen F. Austin 82-74.

SIUE, 1-4, has one more game at the tournament. The Cougars will play host UMKC in a 3:30 p.m. contest.

"We have to pull together, rise above and be better tomorrow," said SIUE Head Coach Paula Buscher. "I'm confident we will because we have a desire to do that."

SIUE grabbed a 29-26 halftime lead behind the play of Gwen Adams, who scored 13 of her 15 points during the first two periods.

"We felt like we could take advantage of them on the offensive end with our interior game," said Buscher.

Stephen F. Austin came out strong ion the second half, shooting better than 55 percent in the second half. Taylor Ross scored 16 of her game-high 28 points in the third period, helping the Ladyjacks erase the three-point halftime deficit.

Stevi Parker added a double-double for Stephen F. Austin with 20 points and 11 rebounds. The Ladyjacks improved to 2-3.

Shronda Butts led SIUE's scoring attack with 16 points, followed by 15 points each from Adams and Donshel Beck. Amri Wilder scored double digits for the first time in her collegiate career as the freshman finished with 11 points.

Stephen F. Austin won the battle on the boards, edging the Cougars in rebounding 43-31. The Ladyjacks also took advantage of 27 SIUE fouls by hitting 24 of 30 free throws.

"We've got to get better in different little aspects of the game," added Buscher.