EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE women's basketball jumped out to a 15-3 lead in the first five minutes of play Monday and didn't look back in a 62-36 victory over Chicago State at First Community Arena.

The Cougars improved to 3-3 with a balanced scoring attack in which 11 different players scored. Allie Troeckler led SIUE with nine points followed by eight each from Ajulu Thatha, Mikayla Kinnard and Madison Webb.

"I was really pleased with our energy tonight," said SIUE Head Coach Paula Buscher. "They came out of the gates and played with the energy we need to play with."

SIUE's defense posted the lowest number of points allowed in a game during the Division I era. SIUE allowed 38 against Robert Morris in 2009.

"Our defense hasn't been where we felt it should be," said Buscher.

Buscher added that the work in practice helped SIUE get back to the .500 mark.

"We've been locking down on defense in practice," said SIUE freshman Caite Knutson. "They (the coaching staff) have been really picky about the things we're doing, but they need to be because that's helping us."

Knutson, a native of nearby Collinsville, Illinois, scored four points and grabbed three rebounds in nearly 12 minutes off the bench.

Chicago State, 0-3, shot 26 percent from the field and was 0 for 5 from three-point range. Ifunanya Okoye led Chicago State with 12 points.

SIUE and Chicago State started nearly 2 hours, 45 minutes, past the original game time. In accordance to Ohio Valley Conference protocols, COVID-19 test results had to be posted before game time.

Buscher said she was happy the two teams were able to get the game in and was pleased with SIUE's ability to pivot.

"That's a credit to them because it's not easy to sit around that long," she added.

SIUE returns to OVC play Dec. 30 with a road contest at Morehead State.