NEW ORLEANS — Ruth Hamblin scored 16 points to lead No. 16 Oregon State to a 71-55 comeback win over Southern Illinois in the opening round of the New Orleans Shootout on Friday night.

Trailing 30-28 at the break, Oregon State (9-0) rallied to retake the lead during a 10-1 run capped by a Gabriella Hanson 3-pointer and a pair of free throws from Deven Hunter that made it 48-38 midway through the second half. The Beavers held their double-digit lead down the stretch.

Sydney Wiese contributed 12 points, Marie Gulich added 11 and Gabby Hanson had 10 to help propel the Beavers to their best start in school history. Oregon State played the second half without coach Scott Rueck, who was ejected late in the first half after receiving two technical fouls.

Dyana Peirre led Southern Illinois (6-3) with 10 points and nine rebounds.