Men's Basketball's season ends in semifinal loss to Illinois State

Saturday, March 4

St. Louis, Mo.

2:30 PM

Southern Illinois University

9-917-16; MVC

Illinois St.

17-127-5; MVC

Team	1	2	F
Southern Illinois	20	30	50
Illinois State	43	20	63

Photo by: Madison Case

Men's Basketball's season ends in semifinal loss to Illinois State

03/04/2017 | 5:14:00 | Men's Basketball

Box Score Gamebook Photo Gallery

By: By Tom Weber, SIUSalukis.com

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Eager to make a statement about its NCAA Tournament worthiness, Illinois State blew by Southern Illinois in the semifinals of the State Farm MVC Tournament on Saturday, 63-50.

The Redbirds (27-5) led by as many as 31 points before resting their starters in anticipation of a showdown with Wichita State in the championship game on Sunday. They led 43-20 at halftime after making 9-of-15 shots from 3-point in the first half. They pushed the lead to 55-24 with 14:49 to go when Deontae Hawkins made the team's 13th and final 3-point shot.

"I think the most encouraging thing for this league is, they're an NCAA Tournament team," said SIU head coach Barry Hinson. "There's no question in my mind. I'm very confident that this league is going to have two teams in the NCAA."

During a dazzling first half, it was raining 3-pointers at the Scottrade Center. Facing a size disadvantage, SIU elected to concede shots from the perimeter. ISU obliged by making them, as five different players connected from long range.

"I knew we were ready yesterday," said Illinois State head coach Dan Muller. "It's hard to predict with this team when we're going to make shots. We don't have guys that every single night we're just going to hit four, five threes individually."

Just 90 seconds into the game, Southern was behind, 8-0, as both Tony Wills and Paris Lee made 3-pointers, sandwiched around a MiKyle McIntosh jumper.

"We ran into a buzz-saw," Hinson said. "Sometimes it's like that. We've had those moments ourselves, not very often this year. We've had it a couple of times. That's just part of college basketball."

Only two players scored in double figures for Illinois State — McIntosh (15) and Lee (12). None of their starters played more than 24 minutes, as head coach Dan Muller hopes to have his team primed for tomorrow.

"Now we get to go into tomorrow's game, I think — and I don't have to worry about minutes," Muller said. "I just play who I think needs to be in the game."

On the positive side for the Salukis (17-16), they finished the game on a 26-8 run. The outcome was never in doubt, but a team led by its three seniors — Sean O'Brien, Mike Rodriguez and Leo Vincent — showed the kid of scrappiness that became the team's trademark. During the final minute of play, Hinson pulled all three seniors to a standing ovation by the SIU faithful.

"That tells you our kids didn't quit, and I think that's the most impressive thing about our team today," Hinson said. "I was very emotional (after the game). I told them I love 'em. I asked them to get their degree. I want to be a part of their lives for the rest of their days. They've been a blessing."

Sean Lloyd led the team with 12 points, while Mike Rodriguez added 11 points and five assists. Director of Athletics Tommy Bell said, after consulting with Hinson and the players, that the team will not accept a bid to a postseason event.