Salukis shoot past ISU Sycamores, 67-50

TERRE HAUTE, IN (1-7-2004) - Darren Brooks scored a game-high 19 points as Southern Illinois downed Indiana State 67-50 on Wednesday (Jan. 7). SIU connected on
26-of-47 (.553) field goals, and enjoyed a 35-16 rebounding edge. The Salukis finished 9-of-18 from beyond the three-point line, while the Sycamores finished 8-of-21 from three-point range.

With the score tied 8-8 midway through the first half, SIU used a 14-2 run to surge ahead 22-10 with 7:05 remaining in the opening stanza. ISU cut the lead to nine on a three-point shot by Jerod Adler (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central HS), but the Salukis were able to carry a 38-23 lead into halftime.

The second half saw the Sycamores chip away at SIU’s lead, drawing as close as nine points (47-38) after a three-point shot from Tyson Schnitker (Robinson, Ill.). The Salukis then scored six straight points to take a 53-38 lead. SIU built a lead as large as 20 points, before taking the 67-50 victory.

Adler led the Sycamores with eleven points, while Catrel Green (Aurora, Ill./Feather River CC). Schnitker finished with seven points, three assists, and three steals in the loss.

In addition to Brooks’ 19 points, Bryan Turner added 18 for SIU. Stetson Hairston scored ten points and added seven assists. The Salukis outscored the Sycamores 24-14 in the paint.

Indiana State returns to action on Saturday (Jan. 10) when the Sycamores host Illinois State. Tip-off is set for 6:05 p.m., CST at Hulman Center. The game will be broadcast locally in Terre Haute by WTWO-News Channel 2. The entire Sycamores' 2003-2004 men's basketball season will be carried live via Internet Audio streaming on USA-365.com. Brian Fritz calls the play-by-play and Jim Waugh provides the color commentary. Saturday's pregame show starts at 5:40 p.m. and the tip-off is at 6:05 p.m., CST / 7:05 p.m., EST.

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