Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University women's basketball team faced a challenging game against Bradley, resulting in a 59-51 defeat. The match, held at the Banterra Center, was marked by strong defensive plays from both teams, with neither surpassing 60 points.

Bradley achieved a shooting percentage of 43.5% from the field and limited Southern Illinois to just 30.0%. Despite Bradley's modest three-point success rate of 16.7%, they managed to keep SIU's three-point shooting at 21.4%.

The Salukis struggled on the boards, being out-rebounded 40-35 and conceding 34 points in the paint compared to their own 28. SIU forced Bradley into 17 turnovers but committed 12 themselves.

Bradley maintained control for most of the game, leading for 37 minutes while Southern Illinois only led once. A strong first quarter saw Bradley outscore SIU 21-11, shooting an impressive 62.5% from the field.

In subsequent quarters, both teams posted low scores; Bradley managed six points in the second quarter while SIU scored seven in the third. The fourth quarter saw Bradley capitalize on free throws, making 15-of-21 attempts to secure their win.

Isabella Palmqvist led SIU with 15 points, and Gift Uchenna contributed a double-double with ten points and ten rebounds—her nineteenth this season.

Southern Illinois will wrap up their regular season at home against Illinois State on Saturday at 2 p.m., marking Senior Day for the team.

Fans can stay updated with Saluki news via Twitter @SIU_WBasketball, Instagram @SIU_WBasketball, Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics, or through the "Salukis" Mobile App available on major app stores.