With Bryan Mullins on the sideline there was a danger that the young guards would turn the ball over. That wasn't the case in the first frame as the Salukis won the turnover battle 14-9.
Wesley Clemmons gets props for coming out early and giving the Dawgs a boost off the bench in the absence of his fellow senior guard Mullins.
Champ Oguchi, who lit up SIU for 17 points in their first meeting, picked up 2 early fouls and was held scoreless in the first half. But after the break he put up 15 points, leading his team in scoring. Oguchi's size and ability creates a mismatch for opponents. SIU couldn't stop him the first time they played and had the same problem again in this game's second half.
Osiris Eldridge quickly picked up his 3rd foul after the break, but that didn't stop Illinois state from bursting out of the gates with a 12-4 run, tying the game at 29-29.
Anthony Booker then came through with a huge follow up slam to get the lead and the momentum back for SIU. Kevin Dillard followed suit with back-to-back 3's, elevating his game at the most crucial juncture.
Illinois State later made it a 2 point game at 49-47 with a three point play with just over a minute remaining, bookending consecutive charging fouls by Dillard. Moments later Dillard was called with a tic-tac reach-in foul, then after Illinois State tied the game with the ensuing foul shots, SIU was forced to play the final moments without their leading scorer.
Playing solid 'D', the Salukis were able to play to a draw for the rest of regulation, and went to overtime with the 6 players they had remaining.
Losing a late lead and going to overtime was deflating for the Salukis, and even though they put up a valiant effort in overtime it wasn't enough to beat the Redbirds who finished the night a perfect 19 of 19 from the foul line. Everyone will be watching these Salukis to see how they respond, and regardless of the "age" of these players, how they bounce back will be a true test of their character.
