The SIUE women’s basketball team suffered a close loss to Dayton on Monday night, with a final score of 75-74. Despite a late three-pointer from KK Rodriguez that gave SIUE a one-point lead, Dayton managed to secure a go-ahead basket in the final seconds, sealing the victory. Head Coach Samantha Quigley Smith expressed pride in the team’s effort, acknowledging the tough nature of the game. The Cougars’ nonconference record now stands at 1-5, while Dayton improves to 2-3 overall. In their recent losses, the Cougars have been narrowly defeated, with the last four losses totaling a mere 10 points.
Throughout the game, SIUE shot 43 percent from the field and 15-19 from the free throw line, with 9-20 successful three-pointers. Dayton, on the other hand, concluded the game with a 38 percent field goal percentage and 15-21 from the free throw line. KK Rodriguez, a standout player for SIUE, delivered an impressive performance, scoring 33 points and tying her career high. Coach Smith commended Rodriguez’s exceptional talent and acknowledged her significant contribution to the team’s performance.
Despite SIUE’s efforts, Dayton dominated the rebounding game, outrebounding the Cougars 51-34 and capitalizing on second chance opportunities. However, SIUE showcased resilience and determination, with Olivia Clayton making a notable impact off the bench by scoring a career-high 11 points and grabbing five rebounds. Macy Silvey and Ava Stoller also contributed to the team’s performance, with five rebounds each and scoring eight and seven points, respectively. Defensively, SIUE recorded a season-high six blocks, demonstrating their strength on the defensive end.
Looking ahead, SIUE will have a break until after Thanksgiving and will return home for a game against Middle Tennessee on Sunday, Nov. 26. Coach Smith emphasized the team’s effort and resilience, highlighting the competitive nature of the game and expressing the desire to elevate their performance in future matchups.
To stay updated with the Cougars’ season, fans can follow @SIUEWBB on Twitter, @SIUEWBB on Instagram, and SIUE Women’s Basketball on Facebook.