SIU women’s basketball defeated the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers 96-64 on Saturday to finish the exhibition season.

The Panthers kept pace for the most part through the first half. They trailed 26-25 after the first quarter and 42-38 after half.

“I didn’t like our first half, I thought we were still a little lethargic,” SIU coach Cindy Stein said. “I thought we played tight again. So obviously that was addressed at the half. I felt like we came out that second half with a lot more energy.”

The Salukis ran away with it in the third quarter after outscoring the opponent 29-13. They then outscored the Panthers 25-13 in the fourth.

SIU had four players with double digits. Junior guard/forward Carlie Corrigan and sophomore forward/center Celina VanHyfte led with 19 points. Redshirt senior Cartaesha Macklin and Kim Nebo both contributed with 16.

Corrigan’s contribution came mostly from three-pointers, as she hit five of eight attempts.

“Once you start hitting shots, you’re obviously going to be a lot more confident with the next one,” Corrigan said.

VanHyfte made nine of 13 field goals and grabbed six rebounds in the game.

Brittany Wells led the Panthers with 14 points.

The Salukis outrebounded the Panthers 43-26 and 14-8 on the offensive end.

Stein said senior forward Azia Washington probably could have played, but thought it was smart to sit her for one more week. Washington is rehabbing a knee injury. 

Senior Dyana Pierre sat out as well. Stein said she is still suspended for violating team rules. 

The Salukis play DePaul at 7 p.m. Friday in Chicago for their first game of the Preseason WNIT.

Aaron Graff can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Aarongraff_DE