SIU’s women’s basketball traveled to  the Murray State Racers in Kentucky on Thursday, Jan. 29 carrying a two game win streak. Looking to capture their first away win of the year, the Salukis  would ultimately fall short after an intense fight, leaving the score 79-75. 

Neither team could gain an advantage early on, trading points for the first seven minutes, before the Racers picked up the pace and gained a 6-point lead. A 3-pointer from Saluki guard Jeniah Thompson brought the score to 18-16 Racers after a quarter.

The Salukis gained the lead with a quick 4-point run to open the second quarter. An 8-0 run from the Racers put them right back in front. This run was ended by forward Indiyah Green with a turnover.  

Despite the Salukis winning the rebound battle, they continued to lag behind on the scoreboard. The second quarter ended with a three from Racers guard Ellery Minch, leaving the Salukis behind 39-31. 

The third quarter opened up with a shot from Green from the inside. From there the two teams would trade shots which kept the Salukis down until the end of the quarter. 

Salukis managed to be within a 10 point range of the Racers all throughout the third quarter, finishing 7 points behind Murray State, 52-57. 

The nerve-racking fourth quarter of the game opened with a Saluki point by Thompson. 

Not long after, possession was given back to Murray State following a wedgie.  

Three minutes in, the Salukis pumped the gas, evidently shown with a ferocious 3-pointer from guard Tkiyah Nelson. This put the Salukis one possession from tying the game, one of many that the Salukis would have during this last quarter. 

Kraus put up multiple shots, especially a tough throw while in the paint, with Racer numbers surrounding her. 

Continuous back and forth and loss of possessions added to the intensity of the last 5 minutes, with Salukis gaining on the Racers with only one point behind. Murray State was continuously challenged and endured the furious pressure from Southern Illinois. 

Fouls began to stack up from both teams, totaling 10 by the end of the quarter. Small points that added to each team’s score gave the game a boost in intensity. Displays of aggression by SIU questioned Murray State’s ability to get out from losing their place in the top three for the Missouri Valley conference.

Fouls really began to show their importance in the game last minute. Time outs seemed to be constantly ongoing, with fouls being taken right after each one, allowing each team to take more than 8 free throws in total.

What was a two possession game came to one, with Kayla Cooper banking a three pointer with a mere 2 seconds on SIU’s clock. This put the score to a shattering 75-77. A personal foul by Hiba Malkawi gave the Racers two buckets from the free throw line. With one second on the clock, a missed three-point jumper by Hiba Malkawi ended the game. 

The Saluki Women’s Basketball will face off next in an away game against the Flames of the University of Illinois-Chicago on Thursday, Feb. 5.

Reporter Leo Castro can be reached at [email protected]

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