EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Sofie Lowis turned in a career-high 26 points as SIUE women's basketball fell to Eastern Illinois, 80-74, in the Ohio Valley Conference opener on Friday night at First Community Arena.
SIUE falls to 3-11 overall and 0-1 in OVC play. EIU improves to 4-10 and 1-0.
"It's a tough loss, but I am proud of our group for their fight," Head Coach Samantha Quigley Smith said. "We played a great three and a half quarters. I think when you play that good of a game up until the end, you just have to learn how to close them out. We have a group that's very hungry and determined to make something great out of this OVC season."
The Cougars took their largest lead of the night at 11 points with just under nine minutes remaining in the second period. SIUE concluded the opening half with a seven-point lead at 41-34 while shooting 52 percent (17-33) from the floor.
"At halftime, we talked about executing on the offensive end and locking in on some of their best scorers," added Smith.
Overall, the Cougars shot 45 percent (29-65) from the field, 6-18 from three-point territory, and 10-11 at the free throw line. Eastern Illinois shot 44 percent (28-63) while going 18-25 at the stripe. Both sides tallied 38 rebounds in the contest, while Eastern Illinois earned a 17-15 edge on the offensive glass and scored 21 points off second chance opportunities, compared to SIUE's 16.
Lowis's 26 points marked the junior's ninth double-figure scoring effort of the season and 29th of her career. She shot 10-17 overall, 3-9 from deep, and 3-3 at the free throw line. She also tallied four rebounds and a pair of assists. Molly Sheehan (14) and Macy Silvey (11) also scored in double-digits.
Ava Stoller and Silvey commanded the Cougars on the boards with seven apiece. Stoller also dished out seven of the Cougars' 16 assists. The freshman also contributed eight points.
Eastern Illinois was led by Macy McGlone's 30 points and 10 rebounds.
"We'll get a little bit of rest while studying tomorrow on our gameplan," said Smith. "It's a great opportunity against another good team. We get to battle every night and that's what makes this fun with the group we have. They're fighters."
SIUE returns to action on New Years Eve against Western Illinois at First Community Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Stay connected with the Cougars all season long by following @SIUEWBB on X, @SIUEWBB on Instagram, and SIUE Women's Basketball on Facebook.
