SIUC went into the contest without starter Nikki Gilmore, who, prior to game time was reportedly sidelined indefinitely with a lower-leg injury. Information on Gilmore’s condition will be released later today.

The Salukis adjusted their lineup accordingly, and went out to an early 6-0 lead on two three-point baskets by senior guard Tracy Holscher, who started the first game of her SIUC career. The squad continued to build a lead, but the Racers refused to yield, and the Salukis took a 24-21 lead into the locker room.

MSU was able to keep within striking distance in the first half due to SIUC foul trouble. Nine of the Racers’ 21 first-half points came from the free-throw line.

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SIUC came out slowly in the second half of play and MSU tied it up at 25-25 with 16:50 left in the game. The Salukis went ahead and held a seven-point lead, 40-33, with just under five minutes remaining in regulation.

A Racer surge closed the gap to 43-42 late in the second half, but Kasia McClendon, who led SIUC with 15 points , hit two clutch free throws in the final minute of regulation to put the Salukis up 45-42.

MSU fired a desperation three-point shot at the buzzer from well behind the three-point line, sending the game into overtime tied 45-45. The trey was the Racers’ only three-point field goal in the contest.

The score was tied 47-47 when McClendon stole the basketball and scored on a break-away layup, putting SIUC ahead for good 49-47. An MSU free throw with just over two minutes left to play pulled the Racers within one, but two key free throws down the stretch by senior LaQuanda Chavours ensured a Saluki victory. Chavours scored 11 points in the contest.

SIUC head coach Cindy Scott said her players gave a great effort to win the game.

The kids fought really hard, she said. They did everything I asked them to do.

Scott said Gilmore’s absence will hurt her squad, but that the team adjusted well Tuesday.

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We’ve had so many things happen to us of late that we’ll have to deal with, she said. I thought Beth Hasheider played well and the freshman (O’Desha) Proctor played well.

Scott also said McClendon played one of her best games ever.

Kasia McClendon played a beautiful basketball game, she said. She did everything I asked her to do.

SIUC’s first victory of the season extended the Salukis’ winning streak over the Racers to 10 games and increased the squad’s lead in the MSU series to 26-4.

The Salukis’ next contest is Dec. 4 at Tennessee Tech. Tip-off at Eblen Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.