Banterra Center | Southern Illinois University Athletics
Banterra Center | Southern Illinois University Athletics
Southern Illinois University's basketball team secured a decisive 73-51 victory over Missouri State at Great Southern Bank Arena on Wednesday night. The Salukis maintained control throughout the game, marking their second-best defensive performance of the season after previously holding North Dakota State to 44 points in November.
The Salukis (7-11, 2-5 MVC) had three players score in double figures. Ali Dibba led with a game-high 22 points, scoring 20 in the second half. Kennard Davis Jr. and Jarrett Hensley each contributed 18 points to the win.
Hensley, from Merriam, Kansas, continued his strong performance from the previous game against Missouri State by scoring a team-high 15 points in the first half on efficient shooting. His efforts were part of a 12-2 run that helped SIU establish a significant lead before halftime.
Junior guard Damien Mayo Jr., who transferred from Missouri State this season, ended the first half with a fastbreak dunk, giving Southern Illinois a comfortable 35-18 lead going into the locker room.
In response to an early second-half push by Missouri State that reduced SIU's lead to 11 points, Dibba delivered crucial plays including a successful three-point play. Dibba dominated in the final minutes of the game, completing several key shots and leading his team with five rebounds during that period.
Southern Illinois' defense was effective throughout, restricting Missouri State to low shooting percentages: 27.6% in the first half and 32.1% overall. The Salukis also excelled on fast breaks and won the rebounding battle with Davis securing eight rebounds for SIU.
The team's offensive efficiency was evident as they shot 54% from the field and recorded 17 assists. Mayo led with six assists while contributing four rebounds and four points.
For Missouri State (7-11, 0-7 MVC), Michael Osei-Bonsu scored 17 points with nine rebounds, while Jalen Hampton added another 15 points and five boards.
Southern Illinois will next face Northern Iowa at Banterra Center on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT.
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