The Cougars couldn't hold off the Saluqis in the final quarter.
Cleveland State (6-8, 4-5) was down nine after the first quarter, but retook the lead by halftime. The Cougars were up four heading into the fourth quarter, but Southwest Tennessee (8-7, 3-6) held Cleveland State to just 10 fourth quarter points to take a 73-65 victory.
"I thought we competed tonight and were in this game until the end of the fourth quarter," head coach Lisa Phillips said. "We gave up a lot of points at the free throw line so we have to do a better job defensively and learn to play better through fatigue."
Jordan McCullough had a strong game tallying a double-double, scoring a team high 19 points and 11 rebounds. Latisha Parris also scored in double figures putting in 16.
The Saluqis controlled the glass outrebounding the Cougars by 10 to go along with their stifling fourth quarter defense to lead them to victory.
Jaliyah Zackery scored a game high 26 points to go along with 17 rebounds for Southwest Tennessee. CorTayza Flowers also put together a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Deziya McClendon is the conference's leading rebounder and came one board shy of a double-double herself.
Next up for the Cougars is a home game against second place Walters State (11-6, 8-2). Tip-off is this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.