S. Illinois pulls away for third straight win (Jan 07, 2017)

By AP
Published

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) Mike Rodriguez scored 22 points and Southern Illinois pulled away over the final 10 minutes for a 75-67 victory over Missouri State on Saturday for its third straight win.

Rodriguez hit 7 of 8 shots and all three of his 3-pointers. Thik Bol finished with 11 points and nine rebounds, while Sean O'Brien and Sean Lloyd each added 10 points for the Salukis (10-7, 3-1 Missouri Valley).

Missouri State (11-6, 2-2) outshot Southern Illinois 49-42 percent, but the Salukis hit two 3-pointers and held a 10-point advantage at the foul line (20-10).

A Jarred Dixon 3 for the Bears cut the Southern Illinois lead to 48-46 with 9:24 left. But the Salukis responded by scoring seven of the next nine to regain some breathing room. A Rodriguez layup with 1:42 left made it 68-56, and the Bears were finally put to rest.

Dixon and Dequon Miller each scored 15 points for Missouri State.