SIUE women’s basketball outlasted Eastern Illinois in a thrilling double-overtime battle tonight. The Cougars claimed a 59-52 victory in Charleston to open Ohio Valley Conference play. This marked SIUE’s first consecutive overtimes since the 2006-07 season when they defeated Southern Indiana 81-75.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: SIUE 59, Eastern Illinois 52 (Double Overtime)
- SIUE Record: Improved to 8-3 overall, 1-0 in OVC play after opening conference action
- Eastern Illinois Record: Fell to 1-11 overall and 0-1 in OVC play following the defeat
- Historic Matchup: First double-overtime game for SIUE since the 2006-07 season featuring former teammate Ava Stoller
Balanced Cougars Dominate in Overtime Thriller
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The Cougars showed balanced scoring throughout the tightly contested matchup played Thursday evening in Charleston. Two freshman stars led the way for SIUE with identical production. Kiyoko Proctor finished with 17 points, shooting 4-10 from the field and a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line. Lauren Miller also contributed 17 points, adding 2-3 three-point shooting in a 41-minute performance. Miller made the early go-ahead triple with 8:19 left in the first quarter at 3-0.
The game featured multiple lead changes and tied score situations. Macy Silvey chipped in 11 points on three three-pointers from beyond the arc. Syanne Mohamed recorded a double-double effort with 10 rebounds and 3 points, marking the second time this season she grabbed double-digit boards.
Scoring Distribution and Team Effort for SIUE
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SIUE shot 34.5 percent from the field (19-55) while connecting on 38.9 percent from three-point range (7-18). The free throw line proved crucial as the Cougars finished 73.7 percent (14-19) from the stripe. Off-the-bench depth contributed significantly with Rory Conboy adding 6 points in the winning effort.
The first quarter saw SIUE jump out to a double-digit advantage early before Eastern Illinois clawed back into the contest. Lauren Miller connected on a three-pointer with 3:21 remaining in the first half to tie the game at 18-18, setting the tone for an evenly matched battle the rest of the way. The score remained tight through three complete quarters before regulation play knotted at 50-all.
| Team Stat Category | SIUE | Eastern Illinois |
| Field Goal Percentage | 34.5% (19-55) | 26.5% (18-68) |
| Three-Point Shooting | 38.9% (7-18) | 15.8% (3-19) |
| Free Throw Percentage | 73.7% (14-19) | 86.7% (13-15) |
| Total Rebounds | 42 rebounds | 45 rebounds |
Eastern Illinois Led By Standout Stoller Performance
Despite the loss, the Panthers showed resilience throughout the matchup. Ava Stoller led Eastern Illinois with a game-high 22 points, shooting 6-15 from the field and a perfect 9-10 from the free throw line. Stoller was a former teammate of SIUE’s current players before transferring to the Panthers program. Abbie Boutilier contributed 8 points and controlled the glass with 11 rebounds in a strong all-around effort.
Eastern Illinois finished with 26.5 percent shooting (18-68) overall but struggled significantly from three-point range at 15.8 percent (3-19). The Panthers converted 13 of 15 free throws but couldn’t overcome SIUE’s superior three-point shooting and depth. The game featured seven tied scores and four lead changes before overtime settled the contest.
Second Overtime Seals Victory For SIUE in Conference Opener
Proctor proved decisive in the first overtime period, scoring 4 of SIUE’s 5 points to keep the Cougars ahead. Eastern Illinois answered with a Stoller free throw to make it 52-51. The Panthers then scored to tie the game at 50-50, forcing the second overtime period. In the decisive second overtime, Kiyoko Proctor made all 4 of her free throws down the stretch, effectively sealing the conference victory.
SIUE connected on 2 of 4 field goals in the second overtime (50%) while 5 of 6 from the line (83.3%). Eastern Illinois managed 0 of 6 from the field and 2 of 2 free throws in the final period. The Cougars’ superior depth and free throw shooting in crucial moments proved to be the difference-maker in climbing out of a multi-OT battle. The victory represents SIUE’s dedication to defensive intensity over four extended periods.
What’s Next for Both Programs After Thrilling Encounter?
SIUE will continue conference play against Western Illinois on December 22 at 11:00 AM in their next scheduled matchup. Eastern Illinois looks to rebound quickly as they navigate an early challenging OVC schedule. The Panthers return a solid core of contributors led by the standout play of Stoller and Boutilier on both ends of the floor. Charleston served as the backdrop for this memorable double-overtime affair that showcased defensive grit and late-game composure from the visiting Cougars program.
Sources
- SIUE Athletics – Official game recap and box score announcement
- Eastern Illinois Athletics – Official box score and statistical compilation
- Ohio Valley Conference – Conference standings and championship information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.