TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Sophomore Tre Williams drained a clutch three-pointer and senior Tyreke Key put the game on ice from the free throw line in the final minute to lead Indiana State to a narrow 69-66 victory over Southern Illinois Monday night in Hulman Center.
ISU (7-7, 4-5 MVC) and SIU (7-4, 1-4 MVC) were locked in a heated battle from the beginning, with the lead changing hands 13 times throughout the course of the game. Ultimately, thanks to the three from Williams and 81 percent (14-of-17) shooting from the free throw line during the game, the Sycamores came away victorious to push their win streak to three games. Indiana State improves to 5-0 on the season when allowing between 60-69 points.
Key led Indiana State with 23 points on the night, shooting 50 percent (7-of-14) from the floor and 89 percent (8-of-9) from the charity stripe, while also pulling down a game-high seven boards. Sophomore Jake LaRavia added a 16-point performance for ISU, Williams finished the game with 13 points and six rebounds, and junior Cooper Neese added 12 points and seven boards.
Indiana State shot 50 percent (25-of-50) from the floor for the game and dominated the rebounding battle, 33-23. The Sycamores also tallied 14 fast break points compared to the Salukis' three, and added 12 second chance points. ISU added 13 assists on the game, marking its third consecutive game with 10-or-more assists.
Illinois State had three players in double figures, with Lance Jones leading all scorers with 25.
The series finale is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Hulman Center and can be found on ESPN3.
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