EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Interstat) — The Southern Indiana women’s basketball team opened Ohio Valley Conference play with a 70-55 victory over SIU Edwardsville on Thursday at Vadalabene Center. The Screaming Eagles improved to 9-3 overall and 1-0 in the league, while the Cougars fell to 8-5 and 0-1. Southern Indiana controlled the game throughout, fulfilling its role as a heavy favorite according to pregame projections. SIU Edwardsville was led by Adebukola Akomolafe, who scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds in 20 minutes. Syanne Mohamed pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds for the Cougars. The teams will meet again in Evansville, Indiana, on Jan. 31.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Interstat) — A pivotal early Ohio Valley Conference women’s basketball matchup tips off the new year Thursday when the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles visit the SIU Edwardsville Cougars at the Vadalabene Center. Both teams enter 2026 with identical momentum, coming off decisive road losses to power-conference opponents on Dec. 22. Southern Indiana (8-3) fell 89-44 at Tennessee, while SIU Edwardsville (8-4) was defeated 75-51 at Western Illinois. The game marks the conference opener for both squads. The Screaming Eagles will lean on guard Ali Saunders, who has been a dynamic offensive force. She is averaging 18.6 points per game over her last five contests, including a 35-point outburst in a win over Morehead State on Dec. 20. Her ability to score and facilitate will be central to Southern Indiana’s attack. The Cougars counter with their own standout guard in Lauren Miller. She leads SIU Edwardsville in scoring during this stretch, averaging 15.2 points over her last six games. Miller posted 21 points and five rebounds in the loss to Western Illinois and played all 40 minutes in a double-overtime road win at Eastern Illinois on Dec. 18. Southern Indiana has shown a strong defensive identity, holding opponents to 41, 40, and 59 points in three of their recent victories. SIU Edwardsville’s resume includes a solid road win at Valparaiso and a competitive showing in a nine-point loss at Missouri. The matchup begins a key home stretch for the Cougars, who play four of their next five at the Vadalabene Center. Southern Indiana embarks on a two-game road swing to open OVC play before returning home. Thursday’s winner will gain an early advantage in the conference standings and rebound from their pre-holiday setback. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CST.