By Tom Weber- SIU Sports Information
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois scored nine unanswered points in the final two minutes to rally from a three-point deficit and beat Valparaiso, 65-59, in front of a raucous crowd of 5,694 at SIU Arena on Saturday night.
The Salukis (16-9, 8-4) played from behind most of the game, but drew energy from a packed student section to make a late surge.
Saluki Center Kavion Pippen survived his mid season slump, with 21 points six boards and four steals in SIU’s win last night. (Madison Case, SIU Sports Information, photo)
Trailing, 59-56, SIU center Kavion Pippen scored over 7-foot-2 center Derrik Smits, was fouled and completed the three-point play to tie it with 2:07 to go. After both teams had empty possessions, SIU’s Armon Fletcher hit the biggest shot of the game, draining a 3-pointer from the left corner with 44 seconds left to break the tie. The crowd erupted and everyone in the building could sense the tide had irreversibly shifted.
“I cried,” said SIU head coach Barry Hinson, who grabbed the mic afterward and thanked the crowd. “I cry at a great-looking piece of brisket. I was emotional. I want to tell you right now, we don’t win the game unless it’s for the crowd.”
The game had big implications for Southern, which won its fifth-straight game and took sole possession of second place in the Missouri Valley Conference standings behind Loyola. The last four wins have all been decided in the game’s final minutes.
“With four minutes to go, for whatever reason, this year’s team lights up,” Hinson said. “We certainly don’t panic. We embrace it.”
The Crusaders (12-13, 3-9), who seemed to have answer to every Saluki run, missed their final five shots. Newcomers to the MVC, Valpo is still in search of its first league road win.
“I thought our youth showed a little bit tonight, but we were right there and if we execute a little better down the stretch and make some free throws, the outcome would be different,” said Valparaiso head coach Matt Lottich. Tevonn Walker led Valpo with 16 points but missed three crucial free throws late, including a one-and-one.
Both teams shot 49 percent form the field, but both teams struggled from long distance. SIU made 3-of-15 from three, while Valpo hit 6-of-19. The difference in the game was Pippen’s 21 points in the post and Southern’s 24-11 advantage in free throws. Both of Valparaiso’s 7-footers picked up four fouls.
“Our bigs weren’t allowed to be very aggressive,” said Lottich. “I think we got a little bit tentative and (Pippen) was able to get some deep spots on us.”
Valparaiso built a 31-25 halftime advantage despite committing 14 first-half turnovers. The Salukis had plenty of first-half opportunities but seemed to press on offense. They were just 1-of-10 from 3-point range.
“We kind of reverted back to our old ways there, took bad shots, became selfish, let our offense dictate how we played defense,” Hinson said.
The final 10 minutes of the game had fans on the edge of their seats with 10 ties or lead changes. SIU couldn’t string together a run and sew up the win until it absolutely had to.
A very loud crowd of nearly 6K was on hand to watch the Saluki’s comeback win against Valpo last night.
“I told our staff before the game we’re going to struggle today because of the crowd,” Hinson said. “I’ve been in it too long. We won’t the next time. I think we’ll embrace it next time. We were too juiced up. We looked like deer in the headlights.”
The victory was No. 300 for Hinson, who is in his 17th year as a Division I head coach.
“I’ve had the opportunity to coach basketball for 37 years,” he said. “God has blessed me being surrounded by unbelievable student-athletes and great assistant coaches.”
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.