Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team loses 60-51 vs. SIUE

~ The Redhawks dropped their fourth straight game

The Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team was much more competitive Monday than in its previous three games.

But the Redhawks still suffered their fourth straight loss, 60-51 at future Ohio Valley Conference member Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

SIUE, which joins the OVC next season, improved to 9-15 while dropping Southeast to 8-19. The Cougars are 6-5 against OVC squads.

The Redhawks, shorthanded due to injury and illness, had been beaten by a combined 99 points in their previous three contests.

Southeast Missouri State coach John Ishee talks to his team during a timeout Monday in Edwardsville, Ill. Southern Illinois-Edwardsville won 60-51. (PATRICK CLARK ~ Southeast Missouri State)

Southeast led SIUE most of the first half. The Redhawks were ahead 24-15 late in the opening period and carried a 26-20 advantage into the break.

SIUE began the second half with a 13-4 run to go up 33-30. The lead changed hands six times after that before the Cougars gained control.

Two free throws by sophomore forward Raven Berry with 7 minutes, 24 seconds left put SIUE ahead 42-40.

The Cougars never relinquished the advantage as their biggest margin was 10 points in the closing moments.

Berry had a huge performance with 21 points and 12 rebounds for her eighth double-double of the season. She helped SIUE to a 47-27 rebounding advantage.

Southeast got a big game from sophomore center Courtney Shiffer with a career-high 17 points. She hit 5 of 8 field-goal attempts and 7 of 9 free throws.

Shiffer, a junior college transfer, entered play averaging 4.2 points per game but is averaging more than 11 points in the past three contests.

Shiffer, second in the OVC in blocked shots, recorded her 33rd block to tie for 10th on the school's single-season list.

Sophomore guard Shelah Fields added 11 points. Junior forward Amber Holmes had four blocks and three steals.

Southeast resumes OVC play Thursday at Tennessee State (8-19). Both squads are 4-12 in conference play.

The Redhawks and Tigers are part of a three-way tie for seventh -- along with Murray State -- with two games remaining.

Southeast can clinch a berth in the eight-team OVC tournament with a victory.