Southern Illinois tops Ball State 66-58

Dec 21, 2013, 06:28 pm

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Jalen Pendleton scored 21 points to lead Southern Illinois to a 66-58 victory over Ball State Saturday.

Desmar Jackson also had 19 points for Southern Illinois (3-8).

There were 19 lead changes and 11 ties in the game. The Salukis held a slim 38-37 advantage at the break.

Jackson hit a 3-pointer to open the second period. Anthony Bean had a layup and free throw to stretch the lead to 44-37. The Cardinals came back to tie the score at 44 on a Majok Majok free throw with 15:26 remaining in the game.

Ball State (2-7) trailed 58-57 after Mark Alstork made two free throws with 3:53 remaining. The Salukis then scored seven unanswered points as Jackson made four free throws and Pendelton had a jumper and a free throw to stretch the lead to 65-57 with 17 seconds remaining.

Zavier Turner had 15 points for Ball State.