Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) women's basketball team faced a challenging game against Belmont, ultimately falling 79-66. This result leaves SIU with a record of 2-10 overall and 0-3 in the conference.

Head coach Kelly Bond-White commented on the team's performance: "We executed our offense and we limited our turnovers in the first half, and that's what kept us in the game. I thought we had a fight to us."

In an evenly matched first quarter, Belmont led by a narrow margin of 19-18. Both teams showed solid performances, with Belmont shooting 50% from the field and SIU hitting two three-pointers.

Tkiyah Nelson and Jeniah Thompson contributed four points each for Southern Illinois at the start of the game. The second quarter remained competitive, with Belmont maintaining an 18-16 advantage. Kayla Cooper and Alice Curman added to SIU's score with successful three-point shots.

At halftime, Belmont held a slight lead at 37-34. The Bruins maintained strong shooting percentages throughout the first half, including a field-goal percentage of 47%.

SIU delivered its best offensive performance in the third quarter, scoring 20 points on 60% shooting. Nelson scored six points while Cooper and Se'Quoia Allmond each added five points. However, Belmont's offense proved difficult to contain as they scored 23 points on impressive shooting percentages.

Entering the fourth quarter, Belmont was ahead by six points at 60-54. They secured their victory by holding SIU to just 12 points on low shooting percentages while adding another 19 points themselves.

Four players reached double figures for SIU: Gift Uchenna led with 16 points and also recorded significant rebounds; Nelson followed with 11 points; Thompson and Cooper both scored ten points each.

Looking ahead, SIU will aim for their first conference win when they travel to face Missouri State on January 12th.

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