CHAMPAIGN - Dan Heimos led the way for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville against the preseason fifth-ranked Illinois as the Cougars fell to the Illini 78-58 in front of a crowd of 16,618 in exhibition action on Friday night at Assembly Hall.
         Heimos recorded 12 points and nine rebounds for SIUE.
         After falling behind Illinois 25-5 just 7:10 into the game, the Cougars tied the Illini 53-53 for the rest of the contest.
         "We did some good things, but we have a long way to go," said SIUE basketball coach Marty Simmons.
         SIUE outrebounded Illinois 34-33 and outscored the Illini 35-32 in the second half. Kris Crosby chipped in eight with a 4-for-6 effort from the floor for SIUE, while Joel Jaye added seven points for the Cougars.
         The Illini were led by Luther Head and Roger Powell Jr. Head was 6-9 shooting for 17 points, and Powell finished with 16.
         "Powell made some unbelievable shots tonight," said Simmons. "He is extremely strong off the dribble."
         Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year Deron Williams was in foul trouble for most of the game playing only 15 minutes while adding eight points. The Cougars committed 23 turnovers against Illinois.
         "They are a very good defensive team, and they do a very good job in the passing lanes," said Simmons.
         The Cougars shot 41.5 percent from the field for the game, while the Illini had a 50.8 field goal percentage with only 14 turnovers.
         "We were just trying to us this as a measure for what we have been practicing and get better and better," said Simmons.
         The Cougars will travel to Western Illinois on Wednesday for their second exhibition game. Tip is set for 7 p.m.
         -siue cougars-