NORMAL, Ill. (AP)—Randal Falker scored 10 points and grabbed a game-high 17 rebounds to lead Southern Illinois to a 68-49 win Friday over Illinois State.
The Salukis (10-2, 1-0 Missouri Valley) led 27-20 at halftime, then began the second half with an 18-6 run to open a 19-point lead with 12:19 remaining. The Redbirds outrebounded Illinois State 41-34, and attempted 22 free throws, converting 12. Illinois State went 3-for-9 from the foul line.
Matt Shaw and Jamaal Tatum led Southern Illinois with 16 points apiece. Tony Young was the fourth Saluki in double figures, chipping in 12 points. The Salukis shot 50 percent from the field for the game.
Dominitrix Johnson led Illinois State (8-5, 0-2) with 11 points. The Redbirds shot 32.2 percent from the field, including 8-of-27 from 3-point range.
