Saint Louis held Southern Illinois to 20 points less than their season average Wednesday afternoon, but the Salukis defeated the Billikens 61-53, moving SLU to 5-2 on the year.

It was a back-and-forth battle in the first quarter, with the two teams trading buckets. Southern Illinois was able to pull ahead at 14-12 and hold a two-point advantage after one.

Senior forward Kendra Wilken shot a perfect 5-for-5 from field on her way to scoring her tenth point of the game in the second frame, keeping the Billikens within two at 21-19.

Following an 8-4 run by SIU, Ciaja Harbison connected on her tenth point of the game at the free throw line right before the buzzer to bring SLU back to within six. The Salukis took a 29-23 lead into the locker room.

The Billikens went on a 12-0 run in the third quarter, including back-to-back 3-pointers from Rachel Kent and Myia Clark, and pulled ahead to their largest lead at 37-33.

Southern Illinois answered with a 12-2 run of their own between the third and fourth quarter, regaining the lead at 47-41.

The Salukis outscored the Billikens 21-14 in the fourth quarter, taking home the 61-53 victory.

Wilken finished the afternoon with 19 points on a career-high nine field goals (9-10), along with four rebounds.

Harbison turned in 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Myriama Smith Traore collected a team-leading seven rebounds, while also scoring five points.

The Billikens return home for four of the next five contests, beginning with Southeast Missouri State on Tuesday.