NASHVILLE, Tenn. – SIUE women's basketball opened the first half 52 percent (14-27) from the field but went 27 percent (9-33) overall in the second half as Tennessee State downed the Cougars, 75-65, on Saturday afternoon at the Gentry Center.
SIUE falls to 5-24 overall and 2-14 in Ohio Valley Conference play. Tennessee State improves to 9-17 and 6-10.
"We didn't do a great job of taking care of the basketball," Head Coach Samantha Quigley Smith said. "We won the glass, and we shot the ball well in the first half. We just need to be stronger with the ball."
Trailing 10-9 with 5:17 to play in the first quarter, SIUE used a 7-2 run to take a four-point advantage at 16-12, its largest lead of the contest. The Tigers' offense countered to knot the game up at 19 at the conclusion of the opening period.
Tennessee State outscored the Cougars by a pair at 18-16 in the second quarter to take a 37-35 advantage over SIUE entering the locker room. The Cougars shot 14-27 overall and 5-11 from three-point territory in the opening half while going 2-2 at the line. Rebounds favored SIUE after the first two quarters, 18-12.
The Tigers opened the third quarter on an 8-0 run and maintained momentum throughout the remainder of the period to lead by 10 at 56-46.
SIUE cut its deficit to single digits on three occasions in the fourth before TSU took its largest lead of the game at 14 with 49 seconds remaining. SIUE connected with a pair of three-pointers from Molly Sheehan and Olivia Clayton, but the Tigers held on for the victory in the lone meeting between the two schools this season.
The Cougars wrapped the contest 38 percent (23-60) from the field while going 9-23 from deep and 10-13 at the free throw line. Tennessee State shot 43 percent (28-65) and forced 26 turnovers away from SIUE. The Tigers scored 28 points off the Cougars' miscues.
SIUE had three players score in double-figures, led by 14 from Sofie Lowis. The junior went 6-17 overall and 2-7 from deep. She also turned in five rebounds while dishing a pair of assists.
Sheehan collected 13 points, her 12th double-digit scoring effort of the season. The guard also contributed four rebounds and tied a career high with four steals. Clayton also tied a career high mark with 11 points. Macy Silvey led SIUE on the glass with eight rebounds while Lezhauria Williams handed out a team-high five assists.
Tennessee State was led by 24 points from Sanna' St. Andre. Eboni Williams led all rebounders with 11.
SIUE faces another quick turnaround on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at Eastern Illinois. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
"We just have to sharpen some things up," said Smith. "These last two games are an opportunity to get better and get some wins on the road."
Stay connected with the Cougars all season long by following @SIUEWBB on X, @SIUEWBB on Instagram, and SIUE Women's Basketball on Facebook.
