Boxscore

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Tony Freeman hit the shot that put his Southern Illinois University Salukis ahead to stay, and two more early in the second half that put SIU up by nine points.  That was too big of a hole for the University of Evansville to climb out of Saturday afternoon in the Salukis' 80-64 victory at SIU Arena.

Freeman scored only seven points, but all were important.  He came off the bench and immediately broke a 27-27 tie in the final three minutes of the first half with a three-pointer that keyed an 8-2 run by Southern Illinois and gave SIU a 35-29 halftime lead.  Freeman scored twice early in the second half to put the Salukis up 42-33, and Evansville couldn't get closer than seven the rest of the way.  Both times that UE did cut the Southern Illinois lead to seven in the second half, SIU sophomore Kevin Dillard responded with a three-pointer the next time downcourt.

"The last four minutes (of the first half) and first four (of the second) were the difference," said UE Coach Marty Simmons.  "We challenged our guys at halftime about the start of the second half, but they outplayed us."

The loss overshadowed a career-high 14 points from junior center Clint Hopf.  Junior guard Kavon Lacey added a season-high 11 points and Denver Holmes also scored 11, all in the second half.

"Clint's been really solid for us the last six or seven games," Simmons said.  "Denver played a very good first half, but when he picked up that third foul in the second half, it hurt.  SIU did a good job defensively, too.  Give them credit."

Another Freeman, John, came off the bench to score 15 points and lead SIU in scoring.  Dillard scored all 14 of his points in the second half.  The victory broke a two-game losing streak for Southern Illinois (14-11, 6-9) and moved SIU into an eighth place tie with Drake.  Evansville is now 7-18 overall and 1-14 in the Missouri Valley Conference.

The Aces have four regular season games remaining before the March 4-7 State Farm MVC Tournament.  They play Wednesday at Wichita State, next Saturday at home against UIC in an ESPN Bracketbusters game, Feb. 23 at home against MVC leader Northern Iowa, and Feb. 27 at Drake.