Cougars Triumph in Tense Defensive Showdown Against Lindenwood

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE restricted Lindenwood to only 18 points in the second half, securing a 58-47 victory in the Ohio Valley Conference on Saturday at First Community Arena.

The 47 points constituted the second-lowest scored against SIUE this season and the least by a Division I competitor.

The Cougars advanced to a 2-2 standing in OVC play and 9-6 overall. Lindenwood dropped to 1-3 in conference play and 6-9 overall.

SIUE commenced with a strong lead for the second consecutive game, rising to 9-2 in the initial 4:30. The Cougars’ lead expanded to as much as 16 after a Jordan Pickett three-pointer which made the score 28-12 with 5:55 remaining in the first half.

The Lions retaliated prior to the half, ending the period with a 17-6 run to diminish the deficit to 34-29 at halftime.

Following the break, the Lions netted the first five points to even the score at 34-34 with 18:22 left. Lindenwood remained competitive until the Cougars executed an 8-0 surge to elevate the score to 57-45 with 3:35 remaining.

Ray’Sean Taylor was the leading scorer for SIUE, finishing with a game-high 18 points. He also achieved a game-high eight rebounds. Taylor contributed two assists and three steals as well. Desmond Polk added 15 points along with two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Myles Thompson netted eight points and secured three steals.

The Cougars concluded the game with 16 steals, the second-highest recorded this season, and the most against a Division I opponent. SIUE also induced 10 turnovers by Lindenwood, capitalizing with 17 points off these errors. Both teams ended with 41 rebounds.

Neither side surpassed 40 percent shooting. The Cougars made just 35 percent (23-66) of their attempts while Lindenwood managed only 32 percent (17-53).

Markeith Browning II led the Lions with 16 points. Jadis Jones and Anias Futrell each contributed nine points.

SIUE will travel to Charleston, Illinois on Tuesday for a 7:30 game against Eastern Illinois.