Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
0-0,0-0MVC
Tennessee Tech
0-0,0-0SoCon
| Team | 1 | 2 | F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Tech | 36 | 46 | 82 |
| Southern Ill. | 36 | 39 | 75 |
10/25/2026 | 8:52:00 | Men's Basketball
"This is a great game for us to play in terms of it being an exhibition game," coach Scott Nagy said. "They really made us pay when we turned it over."
The Golden Eagles' aggressive style led to three of their players fouling out, but not before they forced 20 SIU turnovers and scored 26 points off them.
Early on, Tennessee Tech's turnovers helped the Salukis build a double-digit lead that stretched to 13 at the 5:34 mark of the first half. Jaxson Fugate was SIU's engine in the first 20 minutes, scoring 13 points and grabbing five rebounds off the bench.
"I've never had a coach as intense as coach Nagy," Fugate told Saluki Radio's Luke Martin. "Him telling me he really does believe in me, just having that kind of conversation really just woke me up."
Trent Mosquera hit three of his five first-half 3-pointers as part of a 15-0 Tennessee Tech run that tied the game at 36 at halftime.
The Golden Eagles largely controlled the second half, but Max Pikaar gave SIU a spark with seven straight points, hitting two 3-pointers and a free throw to give the Salukis the lead with 6:25 to go.
Southern could not hold that momentum, though, and Tennessee Tech's pressure and timely shot-making carried it to the victory.
Jalen Haynes led Southern with 24 points, including an 18-20 showing from the free throw line. Fugate finished with 18 points, and was the team's leading rebounder with seven.
Mosquera led Tennessee Tech with 24 points, while Caleb Sanders tallied a double-double with 17 points and 11 boards.
UP NEXT
SIU opens the regular season Nov. 2 against Maryville.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by visiting SIUSalukis.com as well as following the team on X at @SIU_Basketball, Instagram at @SIU_Basketball, and Facebook at Facebook.com/SIUBasketball. Fans can also download the "Salukis" mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
