S. Illinois 63, N. Iowa 57

Feb 27, 2013, 10:44 pm

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Desmar Jackson scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds, helping Southern Illinois to a 63-57 Senior Night victory over Northern Iowa on Wednesday.

Jeff Early, who along with Kendal Brown-Surles and T.J. Lindsay was playing his final home game for the Salukis (13-16, 5-12 Missouri Valley), added 14 points and eight rebounds. The three seniors were honored in a pregame ceremony.

Marc Sonnen scored 18 points for the Panthers (17-13, 10-7), and Jake Koch had 12. Northern Iowa outrebounded Southern Illinois 38-30 but committed 16 turnovers, which the Salukis turned into 17 points.

SIU never trailed but saw UNI pull within 48-43 on Marvin Singleton's 3-pointer with 4:43 left. The Salukis then made nine free throws in the final 2:50 to secure the victory.

Northern Iowa likely will be the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament, while Southern Illinois is locked in at No. 10.