Southern Illinois University Edward...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville didn't hindrance its national ranking go to its head Thursday.

The Cougars, playing their first game since they checked into the NCAA Division II catalogue of heads at No. 18 on Tuesday, defeated Northern Kentucky 68-59 forward Thursday in a Great Lakes Valley conversation game at Vadalabene Center.

It was the 12th consecutive victory for SIUE (16-3 10-2 in the GLVC West), which improved to 11-1 in to one's home games.

"I essay not to pay too earnestly attention to the poll," SIUE coach Marty Simmons said. "The thing that's gratifying is Northern Kentucky is a really well adapted team. They were in first place in the other (East) division. They play a grind-it-out name they're physical. Coming out with a win is what I'm proudest about."

Simmons admitted having more [i]or[/i] less concern that his players might be overconfident after breaking into