Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University women's basketball team concluded its non-conference season with a 75-57 loss to UAB on Sunday. Despite leading at halftime, the Salukis were unable to maintain their momentum in the second half.

"Overall, I hate the fact that we lost control of it and our offense didn't hit in that second half," head coach Kelly Bond-White stated. "But of the effort that they gave us against a solid ball club in the first half, we just have to keep moving and get to three quarters, and hopefully then get a complete game."

Southern Illinois led 37-35 at halftime against UAB, which came into the game with an 8-3 record. However, UAB outscored SIU 40-20 in the second half.

Se'Quoia Allmond achieved a career-high by scoring 17 points, including two successful three-point shots. Gift Uchenna recorded another double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Kayla Cooper also contributed with 11 points.

In the first quarter, SIU led UAB 20-17 after shooting 7-of-14 from the field. Jeniah Thompson's seven points helped set the pace for Southern Illinois.

Defensively, SIU limited UAB to a field-goal percentage of 33% and only one successful three-point attempt out of ten in the opening quarter.

During the second quarter, UAB improved its performance by shooting 63.6% from the field and making half of its three-point attempts. At halftime, Southern Illinois maintained a narrow lead at 37-35.

Gift Uchenna led SIU with 12 points and nine rebounds in the first half, while Kayla Cooper added nine points.

In the third quarter, UAB took control by outscoring Southern Illinois 22-11 as SIU managed only a 16.7% shooting rate from the field.

UAB continued its dominance in the fourth quarter to secure a final score of 75-57. The Blazers shot over 54% from the field and made two-thirds of their three-point attempts during this period, while Southern Illinois struggled with just over a 20% shooting rate overall.

With this loss, SIU's record stands at 2-7 as they prepare to begin Missouri Valley Conference play against Valparaiso on December 29th at 1 p.m.