CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Sofie Lowis, Macy Silvey, Molly Sheehan, and Halle Smith all scored in double-figures for SIUE, but Southeast Missouri State used a 14-0 run midway through the opening quarter and led the rest of the way as the Redhawks downed the Cougars, 86-72, on Saturday afternoon at the Show Me Center.
SIUE falls to 3-17 overall and 0-7 in Ohio Valley Conference play following the loss. SEMO improves to 6-11 and 3-3.
The Cougars' offense used a quick start through the first three minutes of the opening quarter following Sheehan's three-pointer to give SIUE an 11-5 advantage with 6:42 to go. However, the Redhawks would counter and take the lead at 12-11 two minutes later and go up 21-16 at the conclusion of the first period.
Southeast Missouri State outscored SIUE 19-14 in the second quarter and took a 10-point lead at 40-30 heading into halftime.
SIUE cut its deficit to five twice early during the third, but the Redhawks would close the quarter on a 9-1 run over the last three minutes of action.
The Cougars shined from three-point land in the final quarter, going 5-10 from behind the arc. Lowis went 3-5 and Silvey shot 2-3 from deep in the fourth.
"We tried to crawl back at the end and our shooting late in the game gave us an opportunity to do so," Head Coach Samantha Quigley Smith said. "I am proud of our group's fight and energy they showed. Giving up is never an option, and our fight late shows how resilient this group is."
SIUE wrapped the game 42 percent (25-59) from the floor compared to Southeast Missouri State's 49 percent (30-61). The Cougars were able to find success from three-point range, going 13-28 (46 percent) led by Lowis and Silvey, who converted five apiece from deep. From the free throw line, SIUE was nearly perfect going 9-10.
Overall, SEMO scored 26 points off 20 SIUE turnovers while outrebounding the Cougars, 31-27. SIUE forced 13 turnovers from away from the Redhawks while turning in six steals.
"We didn't take care of the ball very well," added Smith. "We have to stay disciplined on the defensive side of the floor to give ourselves a chance to keep the score close."
Lowis led SIUE's offense with 23 points, marking the seventh 20-point game of her collegiate career. The junior shot 9-15 from the floor while going 5-11 from three-point territory. Defensively, she led the Cougars with three steals.
Silvey (17), Sheehan (12), and Smith (12) rounded out the SIUE offense. Silvey and Ava Stoller commanded the Cougars' rebounding efforts with seven each. Lowis and Smith pitched in four boards apiece while Lezhauria Williams added three.
Sheehan led SIUE with five assists while Silvey and Olivia Clayton both contributed three.
SEMO was led by 22 points and six rebounds from Jaliyah Green.
SIUE women's basketball returns to First Community Arena on Saturday, Jan. 27 against Tennessee Tech. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.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.
