The SIU women’s basketball team kicked a slow start to the season into the next gear with blistering starts to each half of its victory against Central Arkansas.

The Salukis snapped their four-game losing streak Saturday in a victory that marked the highest point total of their season. The 88-67 win against Central Arkansas was fueled by the Salukis’ ability to start each half with high-energy play.

Whether it was bodies hitting the floor for a loose ball, jumping in front of a pass for a steal or forcing a turnover, the Salukis’ energy never let up.

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SIU (2-5) jumped to a 22-4 lead in the first eight minutes of the first half, while the start of the second half showcased a 7-2 run by SIU.

Coach Dana Eikenberg said she was pleased with the team’s ability to follow a gameplan through both halves of play.

“I thought for the most part we got off on two good starts in the first half and second half,” Eikenberg said. “If we can do that and add the second parts of each half we will be OK.”

Senior guard Jayme Sweere led the Salukis as she tallied 21 points to go with six rebounds, three assists and one steal.

Sweere had 10 first-half points, most of which came off mid-range jump shots. Her highlight-reel basket came when she juked a defender with a quick dribble and finished the drive to the rim with a left-handed finger roll off the glass.

Sweere said her strong start helped her confidence throughout the game, but the practice that led up to the game made the biggest difference.

“It’s always nice to hit shots, but I would say it’s probably more about the work we have been doing throughout the week,” Sweere said. “We wanted to come out and get them in a hole early.”

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Junior Jasmine Gibson matched Sweere’s 21-point total and had five rebounds, two assists and a steal. The half-court offensive set was clearly geared toward getting Gibson open shots from the top of the key. She shot 70 percent from the field as she continually popped open off screens.

Three other Salukis joined Gibson and Sweere in double-digit scoring, making it the first time this season five Salukis finished with 10 or more points. Junior Erica Smith had 11 points with a game-high five steals, while freshmen Katrina Swingler and Ellen Young had 13 and 11 points respectively.

Leading into the game, Eikenberg said she wanted to give Swingler more time in the rotation after she showed improvements during practice. Swingler responded to the extra minutes by recording career highs with 13 points, five rebounds and three steals.

“Right now she is giving us work ethic in practice,” Eikenberg said. “It’s all about the way she is bringing herself to practice. Instead of being fearful of what may happen, she is really taking risks, and you can see it in her game.”

The Sugar Bears (2-6) were never close, but managed to have four players finish in double figures. Guard Meaghen Kellybrew led the team with 16 points, but also committed a game-high 10 turnovers.

SIU forced a total of 21 turnovers but committed only seven as a team.

Guard Laura Beth Anderson was the Sugar Bears’ most efficient player as she recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Anderson notched most of her points from the free throw line and took a game-high 10 attempts.

Central Arkansas managed to out-rebound the Salukis 42-34. Despite SIU’s better position on rebounds, the Sugar Bears managed to come up with the ball.

Eikenberg said rebounding is still an issue the team needs to address.

“We obviously didn’t follow our gameplan in regards to the boards, and I’m not sure what we have to do to get an over-the-back call,” Eikenberg said. “We have to find a way to make some extra things happen for us.”

Jeff Engelhardt can be reached at 536-3311 ext.238 or [email protected].