EVANSTON, Ill. – Three SIUE players scored in double figures Sunday, but it came in a losing effort as Northwestern topped the Cougars 72-54 at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

The Cougars suffered their sixth consecutive loss and dropped to 2-8. Northwestern improved to 5-4.

"Ultimately we lost the game," SIUE Head Coach Brian Barone said. "It's a repetitive and consistent thing that I am saying, but we did some things that we got better in."

SIUE never led in the game, but scored the last four points in the first half to head into halftime down 31-26.

"We need to continue to trust one another, to trust our daily effort and work," Barone added.

The Wildcats got off to an 8-2 start to the second half to push the advantage to double digits. The Cougars ran off eight straight points, capped off by three-pointers from Zeke Moore and Kenyon Duling to cut the deficit to 47-39 with 12:13 to play. Northwestern extended the lead thanks to a 7-0 run of its own.

"Northwestern is a good team," Barone said. "They are big. We had them a few times where if we get one more rebound or we don't make a bad transition turnover then you get a team like that on its heels. That is where our team needs to grow. When you have the opportunity you have to capitalize."

Moore led SIUE with 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting.  

"I think he is starting to settle in," Barone said of Moore. "We're all starting to figure out how we're going to do some things with each other. Zeke's done a good job."

Tyresse Williford scored 12 points punctuated by a 5-for-6 day at the free throw line.

"I like what Tyresse Williford did, the way he ran this team today," Barone said. "He had some turnovers, but his overall demeanor was something I was proud of."

Brandon Jackson added 10 points. "It's good to see him back," Barone said of Jackson. "He brings it on a daily basis."

Ryan Young scored a career-best 25 points and added 12 rebounds to lead Northwestern.

SIUE remains on the road to face Winthrop Tuesday in an early game. Tipoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. Central time.

"I loved our attitude today, obviously we can be better. I am disappointed in some of our execution and that starts at the top. I always look at our staff and what we can do, and that starts with me."