ATLANTA, Ga. – SIUE held the nation's top Division I offense to less than its season average but fell short in the opening game of the GSU Classic, hosted by Georgia State.

The Cougars dropped to 2-8 after an 85-67 loss to North Alabama, which is averaging better than 91 points a game this season.

"I saw the fight that I really like in this team," said SIUE Head Coach Paula Buscher. "This was the first time this season I saw that toughness and grit. It was from the start to the finish."

SIUE held the Lions to 11 points in the first quarter. North Alabama overcame a 26-25 SIUE lead in the second period with a 10-2 run to close out the first half.

The Lions, which are in transition to NCAA Division I status, took over in the second half behind 26 points off the bench from Jaida Bond. North Alabama, 8-2, hit 10 three-pointers for the game and outrebounded the Cougars 50-43.

"We were matching some of their tempo because we were getting some stops," said Buscher.

Allie Troeckler tied her career high in scoring for the Cougars with 20 points. She added a game-high 12 rebounds for her second double-double of the season.

Kelsie Williams came off the bench for 10 points. It was the second straight game in which the sophomore from St. Louis had a career best in in scoring.

 "I think a lot of things can happen when you are willing to work," said Buscher. "I think Kelsie has responded. She is working her butt off in practice. She is taking coaching. You are seeing her play with the physicality that she can."

SIUE has one more game at the GSU Classic against host Georgia State. Game time is 2 p.m. CT for SIUE's final nonconference contest of the season. Brad Barnes will have the play by play on WSIE FM 88.7 or online at siuecougarnetwork.com.

"This is good going into (Ohio Valley) conference play," said Buscher. "We haven't seen a team that plays at this pace and has the ability and number of people who can knock down threes."