The ball went off the rim into SIU senior center Dyana Pierre’s hands and set a Saluki women’s basketball record in the 87-72 win against Southeast Missouri State on Tuesday.

Pierre passed Hall of Famer Sue Faber for the all-time lead with her 1,015 rebound. She finished the game with 12 points and seven rebounds.

The Salukis got off to a fast 13-0 start before SEMO would go on a run of their own to cut the lead down to three with 1:30 left in the first quarter.

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In the second quarter, SIU would push the lead to 11 before the Redhawks reduced it to three after sophomore guard Hannah Noe hit a three-pointer. SIU entered the break leading 46-40 after sophomore guard/forward Kylie Giebelhausen hit one of her four three-pointers on the day. She finished with 18 points.

At 8:55 in the third quarter, Pierre collected her third rebound of the game and set the record while the Salukis pushed the lead to eight. The Redhawks cut the lead to two, which was as close as they would get the rest of the game.

Junior guard Rishonda Napier finished with 21 points and 9 assists, and hit two three pointers to bring the lead up to 10 and in the fourth quarter. SIU controlled the game by out-rebounding SEMO 25-18. They converted 11 of their 14 attempts and finished 22 of 28 from the line.

The Salukis return home against Marshall at 2 p.m. on Dec. 28 at SIU Arena.

Ted Ward can be reached at [email protected] or 534-3303