The SEMO women’s basketball team suffered a tough loss on Saturday, Jan. 29, as they fell 69-61 to the visiting Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Cougars.

Senior guards Taelour Pruitt and Deanay Watson led the Redhawks in scoring with 18 points each. The loss comes after the Redhawks were able to snap a 9-game losing streak on Jan. 27 against Morehead state.

The Redhawks got off to a shaky start, giving away 10 first-quarter turnovers, and trailing 19-18 at the end of the quarter. Head coach Rekha Patterson said the Redhawks did not look ready for the SIUe defense to start the game.

“They hit us early with their press, we did not look like we were prepared for it,” Patterson said.

SEMO recovered in the second quarter and entered halftime leading 35-31, fueled by five first half three-pointers.

After halftime, SEMO was able to jump out to a 10-point lead midway through the third quarter, but after that SIUE took back the lead.

The Redhawks showed strength under the basket. SEMO outrebounded SIUE 21-11 in the first half, but SIUE flipped that in the second half. They were able to win the rebounding battle against the Redhawks 23-11, including 9 offensive rebounds.

“Well, they went and we didn’t, and then when Kennedy [Watkins] got in foul trouble that hurt us because she’s someone that can rebound on both ends of the floor for us,” Patterson said.

The Redhawks will look to get back in the winning column at UT Martin. Senior guard Deanay Watson said they are looking forward to playing better that game.

“Make sure when I go into practice Monday, just continue to try to do better. So when we play on Thursday those same mistakes that happened today won’t happen Thursday,” Watson said.

SEMO will be on the road against UT Martin on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m.