After five straight games on the road, one resulting in a no-contest, the Salukis women’s basketball team returned home and hosted the Lady Toppers from Western Kentucky University on Nov. 30 in the Banterra Center. Looking to snap a 4-game losing streak, the Salukis couldn’t come out with a win and dropped the game 60-52 to the Toppers.
The game started slowly, with neither team scoring for a couple of minutes. The Lady Toppers would open up the scoring by draining a 3-pointer, and SIU guard Jeniah Thompson answered with a bucket of her own. Guard Alayna Kraus knocked down a jumper, bringing the Salukis within two points. However, the persistent Toppers’ offense was on full display as they sprinted out to a 17-13 lead after the first quarter.
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To begin the second quarter, forward Indya Green scored two for the Salukis, and Kraus put up back-to-back 3-pointers to give SIU its first lead of the night at 21-20. Thompson continued her efficient shooting night by quickly tallying six points to keep the game competitive. The Toppers would continue their strong offensive performance and hold a 4-point lead to conclude the first half.
The third quarter was underway, and the Salukis would try to battle their way back to overcome the small deficit. The two teams exchanged points until the toppers went on a dominant 9-0 run, shrinking SIU’s chance of coming back. Guard Kayla Cooper put up five points in the quarter, but the Salukis faced a 9-point deficit at 51-42 heading into the final quarter of the game.
With their backs against the wall, the Salukis needed to have a strong fourth quarter to snag a victory, and they started well. Kraus swiftly added five more points to her already impressive performance, and the Dawgs were within four. With some missed shots and turnovers late in the game, the Salukis couldn’t close the gap and dropped the game by a score of 60-52.
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The Salukis now hold a record of 1-5, and the Lady Toppers sit at 3-4. Southern Illinois Women’s Basketball will be back in action on Dec. 3 in Birmingham, Alabama, to face off against the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Sports reporter Noah Petschke can be reached at [email protected]
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