Southern Illinois put on a show at the Hulman Center, defeating Indiana State 80-65 in a decisive victory. The Salukis' strong performance was led by Quel'Ron House, who tallied 14 points and 5 assists, while Rolyns Aligbe and Davion Sykes chipped in with 13 points each. Aligbe also grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds, helping Southern Illinois control the boards and dictate the pace of the game.
Rolyns Aligbe's 16 Rebounds Tie Season High
At halftime, Southern Illinois held a 37-32 lead, thanks in part to a strong first-half defensive effort that limited Indiana State to just 32 points. The Sycamores' Bruno Alocen kept his team in the game with 17 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Salukis' balanced attack. Ian Scott added 13 points and 9 rebounds for Indiana State, but the team struggled to find consistency on offense.
The second half saw Southern Illinois pull away, outscoring Indiana State 43-33 to seal the 15-point win. The Salukis' convincing victory was a reflection of their depth and versatility, as they had multiple players contribute on both ends of the floor. CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Southern Illinois winning by just 1.2 points, but the Salukis far exceeded that margin, demonstrating their superiority over the Sycamores.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
This win was a Quadrant 3 victory for Southern Illinois, which should help boost their tournament resume. For Indiana State, the loss was also a Quadrant 3 game, which won't significantly harm their chances but won't provide much of a boost either. The Sycamores' record now stands at 10-15, while Southern Illinois improves to 11-14.
The Salukis' strong performance on the road will be a crucial factor in their pursuit of a postseason berth. With this win, they've shown they can compete against quality opponents away from home, which will be essential in the tournament. Southern Illinois want to build on this momentum as they continue their season, while Indiana State must regroup and refocus to get back on track.
The convincing nature of Southern Illinois' win will undoubtedly be a confidence booster for the team, and they'll aim to carry this energy into their upcoming games. As the season enters its final stretch, the Salukis must maintain this level of play to make a strong case for tournament consideration. With their net ranking now at 132, Southern Illinois is slowly but surely making a push for a spot in the postseason.