NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mikayla Kinnard scored a team-best 17 points but the SIUE women's basketball team dropped a 69-57 contest at the Curb Event Center to Ohio Valley Conference rival Belmont.

Kinnard shot 7 of 11 from the field in what was her best offensive output since game two of the season. The Cougar sophomore added a team-best five assists.

"I learned at a younger age not just to shoot layups," said Kinnard. "You have to shoot jump shots. It really helps when a team keys in on you. You have to know how to get the shot off."

The Cougars dropped to 5-9 overall and 2-7 in the OVC. Belmont improved to 6-3 and 3-1.

SIUE's start to each half was strong, building a 9-0 lead in the opening minutes of the game. Belmont climbed back and regained the lead with an 11-2 run of its own. After halftime and being down 40-28, the Cougars nearly repeated the game opening minutes as they went on an 9-1 run to cut the lead to four points.

That would be the closest that the Cougars would get as Belmont finished with 10 three-pointers. Destinee Wells powered the Belmont offense with a game-high 23 points. Conley Chinn and Tuti Jones added 14 and 12 respectively for the Bruins.

"You have to give Belmont credit. We got it to within four, and they made some big shots," said Buscher.

SIUE also picked up strong offensive performances from Allie Troeckler, who shot 6 of 10 from the field and finished with 14 points. Masyn McWilliams came off the bench and added 12 points, including three of the Cougars' five three-pointers.

"The kids believe in themselves," said Buscher. "I think we just have to keep pushing. We know our mistakes are correctable. We just have to take care of it and take care of daily in practice."

SIUE has two more road contests next week, traveling to Southeast Missouri Thursday and UT Martin Saturday.