SIUC’s up-tempo game derailed the St. Louis Lady Express as the Salukis defeated the Express 75-66 at the SIU Arena Tuesday night.

The Saluki offense dominated the first half of play, outscoring St. Louis 37-23. SIUC went on an 18-1 run while the Express went 0-for-10 from the field, with their first field goal coming almost seven minutes into the game.

Nikki Gilmore, who scored 21 points in the contest, including eight in the first half, said the squad’s loss Sunday and past games against the Express provided SIUC with the motivation to win.

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When you know people, you are very motivated to beat them, she said. We were very motivated to beat them. They were doing a lot of trash talking on the court. We blocked it out and we just played the game.

The Salukis ran a fast-paced offense and scored more inside than they had against Uralmash in their first exhibition game. Theia Hudson, Christel Jefferson, Branda Anderson and Tiffany Spencer all contributed from the inside.

We ran the ball very well, Gilmore said. I think that’s going to be our biggest positive note as a team. We’re very quick, and as you saw, our big kids can run the floor very well, too.

Saluki head coach Cindy Scott said her squad’s quickness enabled SIUC to take control of the game early on.

We’re so quick, she said. When we can get it out and go with it, it’s hard for anybody really to transition with us.

St. Louis shot 7-of-12 from the field to pull themselves back in the game at the start the second half.

Kasia McClendon, who scored 18 points for SIUC said a decrease in intensity caused the squad’s slow start.

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The Express managed to cut the Saluki lead to six ,58-52, but Gilmore and McClendon hit key free throws down the stretch to ensure an SIUC victory.

Cindy Scott said she is still looking for improvement from her players at the free-throw line.

It’s something that we’re going to unfortunately struggle with all year, she said. Nikki’s going to shoot free throws well for us, so she’s got to shoot well for us. Kasia’s going to be shooting a lot of them.

Scott also said her squad needs to adjust to playing a half-court offense.

We get out of our (offense) much too quickly, she said. We play so much full-court, one-on-one, go-with-it, that it’s hard for them to become a half-court team and we’re asking them to do that.

Scott and her team are excited for the start of the regular season, and Scott said she hopes to build on SIUC’s solid performances in both exhibition games.

Hey, two good games under our belts, I think we can do something with it, she said.

The Salukis travel to face Middle Tennessee State in their season opener on Nov. 26.