EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — Southeast Missouri Women's Basketball (8-16, 4-11 OVC) fell to SIUE (11-14, 4-11 OVC), 69-61, in a closely contested conference matchup at First Community Arena. The Redhawks forced 17 turnovers and recorded 11 steals but were unable to overcome a fourth-quarter deficit.

First Quarter
- Ava Gugliuzza started the scoring for SIUE with a layup in the paint at 9:39.
- Da'Kariya Jackson tied the game for the Redhawks with a jumper at 6:24.
- SIUE's Lauren Miller completed a three-point play with a fast-break layup and a free throw at 5:32.
- At the end of the first quarter, SIUE held a 13–6 advantage.

Second Quarter
- The Redhawks initiated the quarter with Ainaya Williams converting a layup, assisted by Zoey Rixter.
- Lexi McCully added two free throws early on, narrowing the gap.
- Carmen Taylor leveled the score with a 3-pointer at 4:58.
- SIUE responded with a layup from Kiyoko Proctor, reclaiming a 25–22 lead.
- The second quarter concluded with SIUE ahead 32–27.

Third Quarter
- Carmen Taylor opened the scoring for the Redhawks with a 3-pointer, assisted by Madison Ayers, narrowing the margin early.
- SIUE's offense responded with a strong perimeter shooting performance, hitting five 3-pointers, including two from Kiyoko Proctor.
- Ainaya Williams contributed inside with a layup for the Redhawks, but SIUE maintained control on the boards, securing 14 rebounds in the quarter.
- At the end of the third quarter, SIUE led 51–36.

Fourth Quarter
- Ainaya Williams scored a layup with a free throw to follow, bringing the Redhawks closer.
- Carmen Taylor's 3-pointer at 6:00 narrowed the deficit for the visitors.
- Kiyoko Proctor's defensive efforts included a steal leading to a successful SIUE possession.
- Despite the Redhawks outscoring SIUE 25–18 in the quarter, SIUE secured the win with a final score of 69–61.

SEMO Top Performers
Ainaya Williams  
----------------------  
- 21 points  
- 9/13 field goals made  
- 4 rebounds  

Carmen Taylor  
----------------------  
- 13 points  
- 4 3-pointers  
- 4 rebounds  

Lexi McCully  
----------------------  
- 5 assists  
- 3 steals  
- 4 free throws made  

Kearra Jones  
----------------------  
- 7 points  
- 2 blocks  
- 4 rebounds  

In their next game, the Redhawks will travel to face Lindenwood on Saturday. The matchup is set for 1 p.m. at St. Charles, Missouri.