CARBONDALE, Ill. – The William Woods University Women's Basketball fell to NCAA Division I Southern Illinois University, 78-58, in an exhibition contest on Thursday night at SIU Arena.
 
The Owls open its regular season on Monday, October 31st when they travel to Tabor College to play a non-conference match. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
 
Game Flow
The Owls tied the game once in the first quarter of action prior to SIU pulled away taking the first quarter 26-11. The Owls defense picked up its effort in the second quarter as they held the Salukis to 11 points in the second quarter but they trailed 37-22 at halftime.
 
The Owls stayed close for the third quarter of the as Southern Illinois outscored the Owls by three, 23-20, in the third quarter. WWU stayed close in the fourth quarter as they were only outscored by two points, 18-16. WWU was defeated 78-58, by the Salukis.
 
April Gebke led the Owls with 14 points in the contest as she was 4-for-15 shooting from the floor, including 1-5 from behind the arch. Freshman Kaycee Gerald followed with 11 points and collected 13 rebounds for a double-double on the match.
 
The Owls struggled shooting the ball in the first half of the contest as they were 7-for-32 in the first half of the contest. The Owls heated up in the second half as they shot 40 percent in the second half of the contest, 14-for-25. WWU struggled shooting from the outside as they were 2-for-14 in the contest.
 
By the Numbers
14 – April Gebke led the Owls with 14 points
13 – Kaycee Gerald led the Owls with 13 rebounds
15 – WWU dished out 15 assists in the match
31.8% - The Owls shot 31.8 percent in the contest
18 – William Woods scored 18 points off the bench
28 – The Owls had 28 points in the paint