Thompson Notches Career-High as SIUE MBB Defeats EIU

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Following a slow offensive start and foul troubles for many key players, SIUE defeated Eastern Illinois University (EIU), snapping their three-game win streak on Tuesday night in the Vadalabene Center.

With the win, SIUE advances to 16-8 overall, and 9-4 in conference play, half a game behind OVC leader Morehead State. EIU falls to 8-16 overall and 4-9 in the OVC.

This is the fewest points SIUE has allowed in a game this season, and is reportedly the lowest points allowed in the history of the OVC. SIUE has now improved their defensive rating to 95.1, good for 20th of all D1 teams.

Junior Myles Thompson led the Cougars, scoring 15 points (a new career high) off the bench. Thompson also added 11 rebounds. Although he was restricted to only six minutes of game time during the first half, Ray'Sean Taylor still managed to put up 13 points (5-11 FG, 2-7 3PT) along with 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Ring Malith added a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Two Panthers finished in double figures. Artese Stapleton had 11 points (3-10 FG, 3-4 3PT), and Obadiah Curtis put up 10 (5-9 FG, 4 REB).

As a team, SIUE would shoot 9-31 (29%) in the first half, but would improve after the halftime break, managing to go 17-31 (54.8%) from the field, including 7-15 from beyond the arc. EIU would shoot under 30% in both halves and 26.9% overall.

The Cougars will face off against Tennessee Tech (12-11, 7-5 OVC) next, this time on the road in Cookeville, TN. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM on Thursday, February 6. SIUE previously defeated Tennessee Tech on January 11, winning by a score of 67-59. Eastern Illinois will also encounter TTU for their next match, albeit at home on Saturday, February 8 at 3:00 PM.

To view the photos Luke Welsh took of this game, head to his gallery. To view David Dupuis' photos, head to his gallery.

The (full) article can also be found on Collinsville Daily News.