Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University women's basketball team achieved its first victory of the season by defeating IU Indy 85-80 in Indianapolis. The Salukis, now with a record of 1-3, were led by Gift Uchenna, who scored 34 points and secured 17 rebounds. Uchenna's performance was notable as her point total tied for the sixth most in a single game in the program's history. She was efficient from the field, hitting 13-of-20 shots and making all eight free throw attempts.

Southern Illinois maintained consistent offensive output throughout the game, scoring at least 20 points in each quarter. The first quarter ended with both teams tied at 21-21. In the second quarter, Kelowna Ngoyi hit a buzzer-beater three-pointer to give SIU a halftime lead of 43-36. The Salukis shot an impressive 50% from the field during the first half.

In addition to Uchenna's contributions, senior Tyranny Brown added eight points in her hometown of Indianapolis during the first half. The third quarter saw SIU extend their lead by outscoring IU Indy 20-17 while holding them to just four successful field goals out of fourteen attempts.

Despite being outscored by IU Indy in the fourth quarter, Southern Illinois managed to secure their win with strong performances from Brown and Se'Quoia Allmond, who each contributed ten points. Overall, SIU shot nearly 46% from the field and excelled at free throws with an accuracy rate of almost perfect 18-of-19.

The Salukis also dominated on rebounds with a margin of 38-27 over IU Indy and forced their opponents into committing 17 turnovers.

Looking ahead, Southern Illinois will face Southeast Missouri State on November 25th in Cape Girardeau.