Carbondale, IL (Sports Network) - Jeff Early recorded a huge double-double to
guide the Southern Illinois Salukis to an overtime victory over the Miami-Ohio
RedHawks, 74-68, in BracketBusters action at SIU Arena.
Early scored 31 points with 12 rebounds and three steals for SIU (12-16).
Desmar Jackson was the only other Saluki to score in double-figures but had 17
points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals. It was the third win
in the last four games for SIU.
Reggie Johnson had 18 points and six rebounds for Miami (8-17) which suffered
its fifth consecutive loss. Allen Roberts added 14 points while no other
RedHawk scored in double-digits.
After shooting just 38.1 percent from the floor in the first half, SIU trailed
26-25 at halftime.
In the second half the Salukis improved their shooting a bit and were able to
get 11 more shots from the field than Miami. After trailing most of the second
half, Early hit a jumper with one second left in regulation to tie the game
56-56 and send it to overtime.
In overtime it was all SIU as the Salukis shot 5-of-7 from the floor and
knocked down both of their 3-point attempts. They outscored Miami 18-12 to
take the win.
The Salukis hit nine 3-pointers in the game and forced the RedHawks into 17
turnovers.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network