The SIU women’s basketball team had its chances but couldn’t capitalize, and the Salukis let Tuesday’s game slip through their fingers.

The University of South Alabama defeated the Salukis, 60-59, despite the fact SIU held a 57-47 lead with 6 minutes, 29 seconds remaining. A layup by senior forward Carlai Moore put the Salukis ahead by 10, but the Lady Jaguars then went on a 13-2 run to close the game.

During the run, SIU (3-5) missed six shots and two free throws. South Alabama (4-4), however, made four of its seven attempts from the field and four of six free throws to seal the game.

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“We didn’t take care of late-game situations,” head coach Dana Eikenberg said. “They were able to make free throws, and we didn’t.”

The Salukis were fresh off a game in which they dominated Weber State on the glass. In the 69-65 win, SIU outrebounded the Wildcats by a total of 36-24, including 16-5 on the offensive glass.

The Salukis edged the Lady Jaguars in the rebounding department Tuesday 32-28 – six each by guards Erica Smith, a sophomore, and Jayme Sweere, a junior.

In the 2005 home meeting with South Alabama, the Salukis edged the Lady Jaguars 36-32 in the rebound battle and wreaked havoc defensively, forcing 24 turnovers while committing 15.

Both teams committed 18 turnovers in Tuesday’s contest at South Alabama, but Eikenberg said the crucial difference was the Salukis’ failure to crash the boards and execute on offense.

The Lady Jaguars headed into this game in the midst of a three-game losing streak, most recently losing Dec. 1 to Florida University, 62-50.

The leading scorer for SIU was sophomore forward Jasmine Gibson, who tallied 16 points and four rebounds. Next on the team was Moore’s 14 points.

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Eikenberg said that wasn’t enough.

“Carlai’s a big factor, but she can’t be the only factor,” Eikenberg said.

Eikenberg said SIU suffered mental breakdowns and failed to finish off the Lady Jaguars, two problems she said will be addressed in practice.

The Salukis and South Alabama were tied at 29 heading into the half in addition to the Salukis holding a 10-point lead late in the second half.

“It’s a game to learn from,” Eikenberg said. “We’re about three people away from being a good team. I think they’re there, but they’ve got to work harder in practice – they’ve got to focus.”