Metro East Sun

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) men’s and women’s basketball seasons are underway, and so far the teams season’s are heading in different directions.

The women’s team started out its season well, winning three out of its first four games and recording one blowout win, while the men’s team has struggled out of the gate and has a record of 1-5.

The women’s team began the year with a loss to the University of Nebraska, falling 62-53. For much of the game, the score was tight; at halftime, the Cornhuskers held a 23-21 lead. In the second half, Nebraska pulled away to claim a nine-point win. The Cougars had three players score in double figures and were led by Lauren White, who put up 18 points and six assists. Nakiah Bell scored 15 points and Donshel Beck contributed 14 points and six rebounds.

In the next game of the year, the Cougars took on the Air Force Academy and earned their first win of the year, knocking off Air Force 76-40. Edwardsville dominated the entire game and outscored the Falcons by at least eight points in every quarter. Beck led the team in scoring with 13 points and racked up five rebounds. Sydney Bauman also had a big game for the Cougars, with 11 points and 15 rebounds. 

The Cougars continued their good form in the next game, defeating St. Louis University (SLU) 79-72 for SIUE’s second-straight win. The SLU Billikens took control of the game early on, and at the end of the first quarter, SLU held a 25-14 lead. The Cougars fought back and took a 37-23 lead into the locker room at halftime. In the second half, SIUE outscored SLU to secure the win. The Cougars were led by Beck, who scored 23 points, and White, who contributed 20 points. 

SIUE continued its win streak with a 57-53 win over the Southern Illinois University Salukis. White led the Cougars with 18 points and nine rebounds. Bell contributed 15 points and four assists for SIUE as well. 

The men’s season started with a loss to the Purdue University Boilermakers. The Boilermakers claimed a 105-74 win and dominated much of the game. Despite the blowout loss, three Cougars scored in double figures. The team was led by Julian Torres, who put up 20 points. Daniel Kinchen contributed 17 points, and Justin Benton scored 15 points off the bench. 

The Cougars then took on Valparaiso University, and once again SIUE was outclassed. The Crusaders knocked off the Cougars 94-69. Kinchen put up 21 points and three assists in the loss. Jalen Henry also scored 21 points and recorded nine rebounds. 

After suffering back-to-back losses the Cougars recorded their first win of the season against the Stetson University Hatters. Kinchen once again led the Cougars in scoring with 23 points as the team pulled out an 80-76 win. Henry chipped in 20 points and 13 rebounds.

The Cougars then hosted Western Illinois University and hoped to string back-to-back wins together. However, the Bulldogs were too strong for SIUE, and the Cougars dropped a narrow 69-67 game. SIUE took a five-point lead into the break, but the Bulldogs clawed back in the second half to win the game. Kinchen turned in one of his best offensive performances of the year, scoring 26 points, which included hitting six three-pointers.

SIUE’s losing streak continued with back-to-back losses against Creighton University and Southern Illinois University. The Blue Jays blew out the Cougars 103-66, and the Salukis claimed a dominant 86-59 win.

Both the men’s and women’s seasons continue throughout the winter and spring. 

For more information on the SIUE basketball season, visit www.siuecougars.com.