ST. LOUIS – SIUE used three separate double-digit runs and strong shooting to complete the Billiken Classic with a commanding 80-45 win Saturday over University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis.

"The thing that I liked best about tonight was the approach," SIUE Head Coach Brian Barone said. "The guys approached yesterday the right way through preparation."

Leading 17-10 with 13 minutes to play before halftime, the Cougars proceeded on a 15-0 run to open a 25-7 lead after a three-point play by Mike Adewunmi with 7:25 left in the half. SIUE closed the first half with a 13-0 run to lead 42-14 at the break.

"Once we got into our rhythm, the guys played within themselves and did what they were expected to do and asked to do," Barone said.

The Cougars (1-2) opened the scoring in the second half to complete a second 15-0 scoring run. A Sydney Wilson three-pointer with 16:26 left completed a 10-0 run and pushed SIUE's lead to 37.

SIUE built as much as a 40-point lead (66-26) after a Desmond Polk free throw with 10:43 to play.

For the game, the Cougars connected on a season-high 52 percent (30-58) of their shots. SIUE knocked down 10 three-pointers, marking the second consecutive game it finished with double-digit three-point total.

All 12 available players appeared in the game and scored at least a point. Sydney Wilson paced the Cougars, scoring 15 points surpassing his season-high of 14 against Saint Louis on Wednesday. Adewunmi scored 14 points and Lamar Wright scored a career-best 10 points. Shamar Wright added eight points.

SIUE outrebounded UHSP 50-33. Adewunmi, Philip Pepple, Jr. and Iziah James each finished with seven rebounds. Courtney Carter finished with eight of SIUE's 17 assists.

The Cougars also blocked 11 shots, matching the school record set in 2006. Lamar Wright and Philip Pepple, Jr. each blocked three shots apiece.

"It's not about court time in your career, it's about court time with your teammates," Barone said. "It's huge that everyone ultimately got some minutes, with one another, in a college setting. We were able to play some different lineups and see how guys were able to play off one another."

R.J. Wright scored 15 points to lead UHSP (1-2) offensively. Will Feese added nine points on three three-pointers.

SIUE was the only team to play three games in the Billiken Classic. Saint Louis (2-0) and LSU (1-1) each played to games. Saturday's was USHP's only game in the multi-team event.

"We got three games together with a team that seems to connect well with one another," Barone said. "We have three games that we can grow from. It was a big week for us."