Game 28
Little Rock Trojans (18-9, 15-1 OVC)
at SIUE Cougars (8-19, 7-9 OVC)
Thursday, February 22nd, 4:00 PM
First Community Arena (4,000), Edwardsville, Illinois
LAST GAME: The Cougars led by as many as 11 at the 7:31 mark in the third quarter, but Tennessee State used a 26-10 run between the third and fourth quarter to down SIUE 87-83 at Gentry Center. The Tigers led 65-63 after the third and kept their foot on the gas to take a 10-point lead with 5:31 in the fourth before SIUE closed its gap to five, four minutes later. The Cougars cut their deficit to two points following three straight free throws by Sofie Lowis with 12 seconds left, but SIUE was forced to foul where Tennessee State went 2-2 at the line for an 87-83 final.
DO IT FOR FREE: The Cougars rank second in the OVC and 44th in the NCAA averaging 14.3 free throws made per game. SIUE ranks second in the OVC and 60th nationally in free throw attempts per game at 19.6. Thatha's 161 attempts leads the conference and ranks 29th in the country. Her 119 free throws made also leads the league and ranks 31st nationally.
HOT HAND: SIUE ranks second in the OVC in scoring offense since beginning conference play, averaging 71.0 points per game. The Cougars' .408 FG percentage ranks fourth.
DOUBLE-DOUBLE TROUBLE: Ajulu Thatha has recorded 10 double-doubles this season, including Feb. 9 at Lindenwood. She's second in the league averaging 16.8 points and first averaging 11.0 rebounds since beginning conference play. The senior also leads the conference in double-doubles this season.
SILVEY LINING: Macy Silvey tied a career-high 14 points against Eastern Illinois, 12 of which came on the three pointer. She was 4-7 from deep, tying a career best in three pointers made. Her eight rebounds also set a personal best mark. She is averaging 11.8 points over her last five.
KID ROCKS: Mikayla Kinnard leads the Cougars at 18.3 points per game over the last three games. She is also averaging 6.0 rebounds.
SHEE-HANDLES: Molly Sheehan leads the Cougars averaging 2.9 assists per contest and free throw percentage (min: 10 att) at .947 (18-19) against conference opponents.
LOWIS IS LEADING: Lowis is second on SIUE and 14th in the OVC averaging 11.7 points per contest. She also leads the league and ranks 41st in the country with 185 three-point attempts. Her four three pointers last time out tied a season high. Lowis ranks third in the OVC averaging 1.8 threes made per game and leads SIUE connecting on 49 from deep this season. She leads SIUE with 18 games in double figures.
