CHARLESTON, Ill. – Five SIUE players scored in double figures and the Cougars led nearly wire to wire on their way to an 87-74 win at Eastern Illinois Tuesday.

"We battled. It is exhausting just to get to the court," SIUE Head Coach Brian Barone said. "There are so many things that go on from day to day. Without the support of our administration, I am not sure where we'd be."

The Cougars improved to 3-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference and 5-5 overall and have won three of four games. The 87 points is a season high for SIUE.

"We've gotten three true road wins," Barone said. "Most important is how we responded after a disappointing day Saturday at Belmont."

Mike Adewunmi collected his third double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, which tied his career high. It is the fifth double-double of his career. Carlos Curtis pumped in a career-high 18 points to lead SIUE in scoring. He added six rebounds and four assists.

Sidney Wilson and Cam Williams each scored 13 points and Shamar Wright scored 12 points.

"Our guys continue to impress me daily," Barone said. "I appreciate that from these guys. It really was a team effort."

All 13 of Williams points came in the second half and Lamar Wright added six points all in the second half where the Cougars connected on 64 percent (18-28) of their shots.

"Mike (Adewunmi) had 17 and 12 and he didn't even play the last few minutes of the game," Barone said, "Lamar did a really good job out of halftime. Sidney made some big plays and hit some free throws down the stretch."

The Cougars led 35-29 at half and the 13-point margin was as large as they had in the game. SIUE shot a season-high 53 percent (33-62) for the game and outrebounded Eastern Illinois 39-25.

Marvin Johnson's 28 points paced the Panthers, who fell to 5-11 overall and 2-7 in the OVC. The Panthers have lost six straight games.

"Marvin Johnson has been playing his tail off, and we didn't do enough to stop him," Barone said. "But we got some really good team stops."

Josiah Wallace added 20 points for EIU, who played with just seven players.  

"The adversity that they are going through, and with what we have been through, this is what it is going to be like the rest of the year," Barone added. "Every game is going to be a battle.

The Cougars next travel to Southeast Missouri for Thursday game before playing at UT Martin Saturday.

"This was an exhausting game to coach and probably an exhausting game to watch and it's nice to be out on the side we're on."