CINCINNATI, Ohio – Xavier began the contest on a 7-0 run and never looked back, holding its lead for the entirety of the contest to down SIUE women's basketball, 68-43, on Friday night at Cintas Center.

SIUE falls to 2-9 in its nonconference slate while Xavier captured its first win of the season and stands at 1-8.

The Cougars were held to 19 percent (10-52) overall while going 4-16 from long range and 19-25 at the free throw line. The Musketeers shot 47 percent (28-60) from the floor while going 8-24 from three-point territory.

Xavier outrebounded SIUE 41-38, but the Cougars owned the offensive glass, besting the Musketeers 16-14. Lezhauria Williams led the rebounding efforts for the Cougars with a season-high seven. Olivia Clayton, Ava Stoller, and Brianna Wooldridge contributed five board apiece.

Sofie Lowis led the Cougars with 17 points, her sixth contest in double-figures this season and the 26th of her career. The junior shot 5-14 overall, 3-6 from three-point land, and was a perfect 4-4 at the free throw line. She added three rebounds, a block, and an assist.

Stoller contributed nine points, five of which came at the charity stripe. She was a perfect 5-5 at the line while shooting 2-7 from the floor. Molly Sheehan and Halle Smith contributed four points each.

Xavier had three players score in double-figures, led by Aizhanique Mayo's 14.

SIUE continues its road swing on Monday, Dec. 18 against Loyola Chicago. Tipoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.

Stay connected with the Cougars all season long by following @SIUEWBB on X, @SIUEWBB on Instagram, and SIUE Women's Basketball on Facebook.