Southern Illinois scored the final five points of the game as the Salukis edged Drake 59-54 in Missouri Valley Conference action in Des Moines. Matt Shaw’s basket and free throw with 22 seconds left gave Southern the lead for good.
The Bulldogs led 30-24 at the half but the Salukis grabbed the momentum with a 12-1 run early in half number two. Drake coach Tom Davis says they missed some good looks, and Southern did too, but the Salukis got the rebounds and made baskets. Davis says getting those second chance baskets is the sign of a good team.
Nick Grant led Drake with 15 points, including nine of ten from three point range. Grant says they made too many mental errors and Southern played a great second half.
After starting 9-2, the Bulldogs are now 0-3 in the Valley.
Grant says it’s frustrating after playing so well and then loosing three straight in the conference. The Bulldogs host Bradley on Saturday.