EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE women's basketball returned to First Community Arena for a Thursday night contest against Southern Indiana. The Screaming Eagles used a quick start, outscoring the Cougars 19-12 in the first quarter and held their lead the rest of the way for a final score of 87-64.
SIUE falls to 3-14 overall and 0-4 against Ohio Valley Conference opponents. Southern Indiana improves to 10-5 and remains undefeated in league play at 5-0.
"We ran into a really good Southern Indiana team who is rolling right now," Head Coach Samantha Quigley Smith said. "They are playing very well right now. We had a better second half. I thought we executed better on the offensive end and then defensively, we did a better job in the fourth quarter. I am proud of our group for not giving up in the second half."
SIUE took its first lead of the contest just under six minutes to go in the first quarter on a three-pointer by Macy Silvey. Southern Indiana countered on the following possession to go up one before Ava Stoller gave the Cougars its final lead of the night a minute later on a layup in the paint. USI would lead the rest of the way and took a 46-27 advantage heading into halftime.
The Screaming Eagles outscored the Cougars 25-15 in the third period before SIUE took a 22-16 edge in the final quarter of play.
"We had consecutive stops in the third and fourth quarter," said Smith. "It stinks you don't get two or three quarters like that because the game is a little bit different."
SIUE finished the game 19-64 (30 percent), 8-23 from three-point land, and 18-28 at the free throw line. USI shot 47 percent (31-66) overall and 19-25 at the stripe.
Southern Indiana owned a 54-33 advantage over SIUE on the glass and 13-9 on the offensive boards. SIUE forced 13 turnovers from the Screaming Eagles while only turning the ball over 10 times.
"We did a better job of taking care of the basketball," added Smith. "Southern Indiana is a strong defensive team. We just have to do some things on the defensive end that will help us be more successful."
Macy Silvey commanded the Cougars offensively and rebounding efforts with 13 points while collecting eight rebounds, tying a career high mark. The sophomore shot 4-11 overall, 3-5 from deep, and 2-2 at the line.
"Macy did a nice job when it came to playing against a player that's bigger than her," said Smith. "She's finding opportunities to get herself in there and be physical."
Three other Cougars would reach double figures, as Stoller (12), Molly Sheehan (12), and Olivia Clayton (11) rounded out the SIUE scoring. Stoller also grabbed seven boards while leading the Cougars with four assists.
Madi Webb led USI's scoring with 18 points. She added 10 rebounds while Meredith Raley contributed 11 to lead all rebounders.
SIUE returns to action inside First Community Arena Saturday, Jan. 13 vs. Morehead State. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
"You have a quick turnaround, so you get an opportunity to watch them tomorrow and maybe learn some things from this game as well," said Smith. "In this league, every night is a dog fight and a battle, which is what we love about the Ohio Valley Conference. We're ready to go out there and fight."
Stay connected with the Cougars all season long by following @SIUEWBB on X, @SIUEWBB on Instagram, and SIUE Women's Basketball on Facebook.
