The SIU Salukis rallied late to derail Creighton 48-44 at Carbondale Saturday night. It was a statement win for the Dawgs, who had been on the short end of several close decisions this season.
Despite the pressure cooker atmosphere of a packed SIU Arena, coach Dana Altman's battle-tough Blue Jays forged a 25-22 halftime lead. Creighton covered SIU's Randal Falker effectively in the low post. The Jays stayed hunkered down in zone, daring the Salukis to shoot over or drive through.
Neither approach was clicking for Southern. The Dawgs seemed frustrated in the opening 20 minutes, spending a good deal of time sniffing around the perimeter. Drives were seldom attempted. A last second three-quarter court heave by the Salukis clanged iron. Creighton seemed in control and on the way to a 15th win as they jogged off in search of ice water.
As much for the opening portion of the second half. Just under 13 minutes separated the Dawgs from their 11th loss and their fans from a gloomy trudge to the parking lot. Coach Altman's teams virtually never lose when holding opponents to under 50 points and the Jays were up 37-27.
Suddenly the Salukis roared to life. Matt Shaw nailed clutch threes. Bryan Mullins was everywhere at once. People were standing and shrieking. Falker dove headlong for the ball. Mullins lunged into the crowd to make a save. Falker rose over all and tipped a rebound to Wes Clemmons. For the first time all night, the Blue Jays seemed rattled.
Southern's defensive intensity doubled and limited Creighton to just 7 points the rest of the game. In the closing minutes the Dawgs got into the bonus and hit enough from the line to seal the win.
Shaw led Southern with 16 and Mullins hit 14. Booker Woodfox nailed up 11 for the Jays, while senior standout Dane Watts was limited to just six.
The unflappable Tony Boyle was productive for Southern. He had four points and four boards in seven minutes.
Saluki coach Chris Lowery commented that this was the team play he'd been waiting to see all season long. Even though SIU's seventh consecutive NCAA appearance probably hinges on winning the MVC tournament, Saturday's effort proved the Salukis should never be counted out.
SIU (10-10) will be at home Tuesday to face Evansville.
