EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – KK Rodriguez led SIUE's scoring efforts with a new career-high 34 points as the Cougars downed Northern Illinois, 89-79, on Sunday afternoon inside First Community Arena. The graduate student grabbed the opening two points of the contest and never looked back as SIUE held its lead for the entirety of the contest.
SIUE secured its second win of the season and second consecutive victory against the Huskies dating back to last season. SIUE improves to 2-7 overall while NIU falls to 3-5.
"I'm so proud of our fight and understanding of the gameplan," Head Coach Samantha Quigley Smith said. "NIU is a team that has been in the top 15 of the nation in three-point shooting. Execution wise, I'm so proud of our team."
SIUE ran out to a quick start, shooting 55 percent (11-20) overall and 5-7 from deep in the opening quarter. The Cougars' 27 points in the first were a season best mark.
"Our starts have been better and better every game," said Smith. "To be able to put together one of the best starts, arguably in our three years here as a staff from a quarter standpoint, was really awesome. We maintained our energy and had great starts to the third and fourth. Every quarter is a fresh start and an opportunity to bring more energy and enthusiasm, not only on the offensive side of the ball, but the defensive end."
Overall, SIUE shot 48 percent (30-63) from the floor, 50 percent (11-22) from three-point range, and 82 percent (18-22) at the free throw line. The Cougars outrebounded the Huskies 42-32 and 11-9 on the offensive glass.
Rodriguez had a stellar game, shooting 11-18 from the floor, 3-5 from deep, and 9-10 at the charity stripe. She contributed five rebounds, five assists, and a steal. The guard's 34-point outing was her eighth straight in double-figures and her fourth game this season with 30 or more.
"She does everything for us," said Smith. "It's hard to put into words what she can do with the basketball, to be honest. The game comes very natural to her and makes things difficult for other teams. She's guarding too, while rebounding effectively for us. I'm not sure there's another player in the country who can play 37 minutes and has one turnover, especially with how much she controls the ball for us."
Sofie Lowis added 18 points, all of which came from beyond the arc. She was 6-9 from three-point land, a career best mark, while picking up two rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Ava Stoller added 14 points while leading SIUE on the glass with a season-best eight boards. She was perfect from the free-throw line, going 6-6 while shooting 4-10 overall. The freshman also was effective in finding open teammates, dishing out six of the Cougars' 21 assists.
Halle Smith contributed eight points while Olivia Clayton finished the game with seven. Both forwards grabbed four rebounds apiece. Defensively, Clayton led SIUE with three blocks, tying a season high. The senior also tied a season high with three steals.
"This game propels us towards more success," said Smith. "For us, it's been difficult because we have lost some games that could've gone either way. We did almost enough to get a win in those losses. To see our play come to fruition and gain some momentum will help us carry on to great success."
SIUE hits the road for three straight games, beginning with a trip to Carbondale on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Tipoff against the Salukis is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
Stay connected with the Cougars all season long by following @SIUEWBB on X, @SIUEWBB on Instagram, and SIUE Women's Basketball on Facebook.
