Tennessee State Tigers (5-8, 0-2 OVC)
at SIUE Cougars (2-11, 1-1 OVC)
Thursday, January 5, 3:00 PM
First Community Arena (4,000), Edwardsville, Illinois
LAST GAME: SIUE shot a season-high 48 percent (25-52) and was a season-best 80 percent (18-22) at the free throw line as the Cougars defeated SEMO 76-61 on Thursday afternoon at Show Me Center. The Cougars held their lead for the entire contest after grabbing the opening three points from behind the arc. SIUE had three players score in double figures, led by Ajulu Thatha with 20 points. She capped off her double-double by collecting 14 of the Cougars' 31 rebounds, tying a career high set earlier this season against Xavier. Sofie Lowis (18) and KK Rodriguez (11) also scored double digits for SIUE.
DOUBLE-DOUBLE TROUBLE: Thatha has recorded four double-doubles this season, including last time out at Southeast Missouri. Her double-figure rebounding effort against the Redhawks marked her seventh this season and 28th of her career.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Thatha was named the Ohio Valley Conference Co-Player of the Week for the second time this season on Jan. 1 following back-to-back double doubles, leading the Cougars to a 1-1 start in league play. She also received the honor on Nov. 29 after collecting a career-high 14 rebounds while adding 16 points vs. Xavier on Nov. 27.
CRASH THE GLASS: Thatha ranks fourth in the OVC averaging 2.15 offensive rebounds per game this season. Junior forward Olivia Clayton is tied for fifth in the conference averaging 2.0 offensive rebounds per game.
DISH IT AND TAKE IT: Rodriguez ranks eighth in the OVC averaging 3.1 assists per game. The 5-6 transfer from Tulsa leads SIUE with 34 this season. Rodriguez is also tied for 14th in the conference averaging 1.5 steals per contest.
SHOOT YOUR SHOT: Sophomore guard Molly Sheehan ranks sixth in the OVC connecting on 1.7 three-pointers per contest. She leads the Cougars with 22 from deep. Sheehan's 18 points at NIU on Dec. 17 marked a new career high.
LOWIS IS LEADING: Lowis leads SIUE and ranks 13th in the OVC averaging 10.6 points per contest. She also ranks second in the league with 78 three-point attempts. Her four three pointers last time out at SEMO set a season high.
AT THE HELM: Samantha Quigley Smith is in her second season in charge of SIUE She owns a 15-29 record with the Cougars and a combined collegiate record of 165-70 as head coach.
