Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Visiting SIUE picked up its first Ohio Valley Conference win of the season thanks to a 73-69 overtime decision over the Eastern Kentucky University women’s basketball team Saturday afternoon in McBrayer Arena.

SIUE (7-7, 1-1 OVC) snapped a three-game losing skid with the victory and has now won four straight meetings over Eastern Kentucky (7-6, 1-1).

After senior Brittany Coles connected on a lay-up with 2.1 seconds left in regulation to force the extra session, the Cougars opened overtime with a 7-1 spurt and never looked back.

Tierny Austin equaled her career high with 18 points to pace SIUE. Three other Cougars finished in double figures including Raven Berry, who chipped in with 15 points and four steals

Senior Jade Barber posted team highs in both points (18) and rebounds (nine) for Eastern. The Lady Colonels committed a season-high 29 turnovers in the loss.

Eastern Kentucky never trailed in the first half and led by as many as 10 points, 26-16, following a Coles jumper. However, SIUE ended the half on a 9-2 run to cut the gap to just two points at intermission, 34-32. The Lady Colonels shot 53.8 percent (14-of-26) in the first 20 minutes, but also committed 14 turnovers.

SIUE took its first lead of the contest early in the second half, 36-35, behind a Berry tip-in. The two teams stayed within four points of each other the rest of regulation.

Courtney Kenner’s basket with 35 seconds on the clock put the Cougars in front, 57-55. On Eastern’s final possession of regulation, Coles drove down the left side of the court and netted the tying lay-in with just 2.1 seconds left.

SIUE made 14-of-20 (70 percent) free throw attempts in overtime to earn the victory.

The Lady Colonels are right back in action Monday night, Jan. 7 with a home game against Eastern Illinois. Game time is set for 7 p.m.