The SIU women’s basketball team needed all 40 minutes to snap its two-game losing streak and hold off Bradley on Friday night in Peoria.

Bradley (5-21, 4-11) outrebounded the Salukis (16-11, 9-7), but SIU outlasted the Braves for a 72-66 win.

Junior guard Cartaesha Macklin and sophomore Rishonda Napier scored SIU’s first 18 points. The rest of the SIU starting lineup combined for 2 points in the first half.

Bradley sophomore guard Leti Lerma kept the Braves close, leading her team with 19 points.

Junior center Dyana Pierre fell 1 point short of a double-double, recording 9 points and 12 rebounds.

Macklin led all scorers with 25 points. 

The Salukis play the Loyola Ramblers at 2 p.m. Sunday in Chicago. 

Thomas Donley can be reached at [email protected] or at 536-3311 ext. 269.