MOREHEAD, Ky. – The first of five straight SIUE women's basketball games started with a tough loss as the Cougars dropped a second straight game to Morehead State 53-47.

Allie Troeckler led the Cougars in scoring with 12 points. Ajulu Thatha and Mikia Keith each added 10 as SIUE dropped to 4-8 overall and 1-6 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

"I thought Allie stepped up and played one of her better games since coming back," said SIUE Head Coach Paula Buscher.

SUE's confidence was high early as the Cougars rattled off the first 11 points of the game. Morehead State countered with a 13-2 run in the second period, but SIUE led 29-24 at halftime after shooting 52 percent from the field during the first and second quarter.

Morehead State, 4-8 overall and 3-5 in the OVC, scored the first five points of the second half to tie the game. There would be seven ties in the contest but just one lead change when Morehead State's Gabby Crawford hit two free throws at 36-34 to put the Eagles up. Crawford would lead Morehead State with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.

"Offensively, you got to stay confident regardless of what just happened on that last play," said Buscher.

A 1-for-10 team finish at the free throw line and 24 turnovers also hampered the Cougars.

Buscher said the team will have a practice Wednesday before its next game at Tennessee State. Game time Thursday is 5 p.m. in Nashville, Tennessee.

"I believe in this team," she added. "We have a great group of individuals. We have to stay strong for them, and we have to show the way to bounce back."