
Photo by: Saluki Athletic Communications
Salukis Run Past Queens to Improve to 2-0
11/10/2023 | 10:31:00 | Men's Basketball
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois men's basketball extended its nonconference win streak inside Banterra Center to 21 games after defeating Queens University 91-68 Friday night.
Southern Illinois dominated from the start en route to the blowout as four players scored in double-figures. For the second consecutive game, Xavier Johnson led the team as he dropped in 21 points while dishing out seven assists.
The unselfish Salukis assisted on 23 of their 32 made baskets while turning the ball over just seven times. Seven Salukis had assists in the game led by Johnson while sophomore newcomer Trey Miller added five dimes of his own off the bench.
After scoring just six points through the first four minutes, the Salukis got the offense rolling. Southern strung together a 27-10 run over the next 10 minutes of action to a commanding lead. The Saluki defense was key during the stretch with multiple buckets stemming from hustle on the defensive end.
Troy D'Amico capped off a 17-2 run as the half came to a close with a 3-pointer as SIU went into the locker room with a 44-27 lead.
It was more of the same in the second half as Southern continued to pressure the ball on the defensive side of the ball, while still capitalizing in the paint where they saw a 46-34 advantage. SIU big man Scottie Ebube put together another strong outing in the win, scoring 15 points with 10 coming in the second half.
Freshman Kennard Davis led SIU with three steals in the win while the Salukis turned 16 Royal turnovers into 20 points. The Salukis also took advantage at the charity stripe, converting 19-of-23 at the line.
AJ Ferguson (13) and Clarence Rupert (10) also scored in double-digits for the Salukis while Jovan Stulic and D'Amico added nine and seven respectively.
AJ McKee led Queens with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting. Deyton Albury added 17 while BJ McLaurin scored eight.
UP NEXT
Southern returns to action Thursday, November 16 with Chicago State coming to Banterra Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets start at just $125 and are on sale now for the 2023-24 season. Fans can purchase tickets for the 18-game home slate including nonconference games against Oklahoma State and Saint Louis by calling 877-SALUKIS, visiting SIUSalukis.com/Tickets or by visiting the SIU Ticket Office during normal business hours.
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Basketball, on Instagram at @SIU_Basketball, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Southern Illinois dominated from the start en route to the blowout as four players scored in double-figures. For the second consecutive game, Xavier Johnson led the team as he dropped in 21 points while dishing out seven assists.
The unselfish Salukis assisted on 23 of their 32 made baskets while turning the ball over just seven times. Seven Salukis had assists in the game led by Johnson while sophomore newcomer Trey Miller added five dimes of his own off the bench.
After scoring just six points through the first four minutes, the Salukis got the offense rolling. Southern strung together a 27-10 run over the next 10 minutes of action to a commanding lead. The Saluki defense was key during the stretch with multiple buckets stemming from hustle on the defensive end.
Troy D'Amico capped off a 17-2 run as the half came to a close with a 3-pointer as SIU went into the locker room with a 44-27 lead.
It was more of the same in the second half as Southern continued to pressure the ball on the defensive side of the ball, while still capitalizing in the paint where they saw a 46-34 advantage. SIU big man Scottie Ebube put together another strong outing in the win, scoring 15 points with 10 coming in the second half.
Freshman Kennard Davis led SIU with three steals in the win while the Salukis turned 16 Royal turnovers into 20 points. The Salukis also took advantage at the charity stripe, converting 19-of-23 at the line.
AJ Ferguson (13) and Clarence Rupert (10) also scored in double-digits for the Salukis while Jovan Stulic and D'Amico added nine and seven respectively.
AJ McKee led Queens with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting. Deyton Albury added 17 while BJ McLaurin scored eight.
UP NEXT
Southern returns to action Thursday, November 16 with Chicago State coming to Banterra Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets start at just $125 and are on sale now for the 2023-24 season. Fans can purchase tickets for the 18-game home slate including nonconference games against Oklahoma State and Saint Louis by calling 877-SALUKIS, visiting SIUSalukis.com/Tickets or by visiting the SIU Ticket Office during normal business hours.
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Basketball, on Instagram at @SIU_Basketball, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Team Stats
Queens
SIU
FG%
.451
.500
3FG%
.227
.320
FT%
.680
.826
RB
29
37
TO
16
7
STL
5
8
Game Leaders
Scoring
Players Mentioned
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