ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis University women's basketball improved to 5-7 after defeating Jacksonville State (5-6) 74-54 on Wednesday evening at Chaifetz Arena.

A competitive start by both teams kicked off the first quarter. The first basket of the game for the Billikens came on a layup under the basket by Alyssa Koerkenmeier, setting the tone for the rest of the day. After the first few minutes, the Billikens took control, making four consecutive field goals and holding Jacksonville State scoreless to close out the final two minutes. The Gamecocks led 18-16 after the first 10 minutes.

The second quarter proved decisive for the Billikens, who outscored the Gamecocks 20-10 in the period. Saint Louis seized control with a 12-2 run midway through the quarter and closed the half shooting 62.5% from the field. Koerkenmeier and Zhykera Brown paced the surge, scoring eight points apiece in the quarter, as Saint Louis took a 36-28 lead into halftime.

Jacksonville State started the second half with a 5-0 run, but the Billikens responded with their own 5-0 run. Saint Louis and Jacksonville State traded baskets back and forth in the middle of the period before the Bills closed the final minute and a half with a 7-0 run to take a double-digit lead.

Six different players scored in the final quarter as Saint Louis poured in 23 points, its highest-scoring period of the game. Jada Tiggett anchored the defense in the final 10 minutes with four blocks, as the Billikens pulled away for a 20-point victory over the Gamecocks.

NOTEBALES
- Alyssa Koerkenmeier set a new career-high with 20 points on a perfect 9-9 shooting
- 9-9 FG is tied for the best perfect shooting mark by a freshman in the NCAA this season
- Jahda Denis finished with a career-high seven rebounds and a 5-to-1 turnover ratio
- Four players finished in double figures (Koerkenmeier, Nugent, Brown and Denis) for the third time this season
- 20 points is the largest margin of victory for the Billikens this season

UP NEXT
Saint Louis returns to the court this week on Saturday, Dec. 20, against Ohio University for a Noon CT tip in Athens.