Southern Illinois defeated Illinois State 54-50 Tuesday night in Normal, Illinois, in a game marked by low scoring and defensive pressure. The Redbirds’ 50 points represent their lowest home score since January 14, 2024.
Key Performances Drive Saluki Victory
Quel’Ron House led Southern Illinois with 22 points, while Rolyns Aligbe recorded his fourth double-double of the season, contributing 12 points and 12 rebounds. Despite the win, the Salukis also experienced offensive challenges, managing only 54 points and making just one three-point shot throughout the game.
Southern Illinois played the game without senior Damien Mayo Jr. Head Coach Scott Nagy acknowledged the unusual low scoring nature of the contest, stating, “You don’t have Mayo on the road against Illinois State, you’re thinking ‘Oh, that’s not good.’ I haven’t won too many games 54-50. We’ll do whatever we have to do.”
Illinois State initially gained momentum, but the early foul trouble for Walker significantly hampered their offense. The Redbirds managed only two field goals until a three-pointer by Jack Daugherty late in the first half. Despite this, Illinois State entered halftime with a narrow 24-22 lead, fueled by a four-point play from Landon Wolf.
The second half saw a back-and-forth struggle, ultimately decided by a crucial three-point play from Southern Illinois freshman Jaylen Haynes with 1:24 remaining, giving his team a 49-44 lead. Illinois State was unable to recover, scoring their next basket with only 27 seconds left on the clock.
With this victory, Southern Illinois improves its overall record to 10-13 and its Missouri Valley Conference record to 4-8.
Looking Ahead
Southern Illinois is scheduled to host Murray State on Friday evening, with tipoff set for 6 p.m. It is possible the team will look to build on this defensive performance. A strong offensive showing could also be key to success. The team may also need to adjust their strategy depending on the strengths of their opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Southern Illinois 54, Illinois State 50.
Who led Southern Illinois in scoring?
Quel’Ron House led Southern Illinois with 22 points.
When will Southern Illinois play their next game?
Southern Illinois will host Murray State on Friday night at 6 p.m.
How important was the absence of Damien Mayo Jr. to the game’s outcome?
