Valparaiso Beacons @ Southern Illinois Salukis
Wright scores 29, Valparaiso downs Southern Illinois 83-79
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- — All Wright had 29 points in Valparaiso's 83-79 victory against Southern Illinois on Saturday night.
Wright shot 10 of 26 from the field, including 3 for 8 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Beacons (13-16, 6-12 Missouri Valley Conference). Justus McNair scored 14 points while shooting 4 for 6 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line. Cooper Schwieger shot 4 of 12 from the field and 4 for 4 from the line to finish with 12 points, while adding eight rebounds.
Kennard Davis led the way for the Salukis (12-17, 7-11) with 21 points and six assists. Ali Abdou Dibba added 16 points and seven rebounds for Southern Illinois. Damien Mayo Jr. and Drew Steffe had 11 points apiece.
Valparaiso used a 15-2 second-half run to erase a five-point deficit and take the lead at 81-73 with 2:58 remaining. McNair scored 14 second-half points.
NEXT UP
Valparaiso plays Wednesday against Bradley at home, and Southern Illinois hosts Illinois State on Tuesday.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Game Information
- Referees:
- John Hampton
- Kevin Driver
- Ervin Wilson
2025-26 Missouri Valley Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 0-0 | - | 2-0 |
| Murray State | 0-0 | - | 2-0 |
| Northern Iowa | 0-0 | - | 2-0 |
| Southern Illinois | 0-0 | - | 2-0 |
| Evansville | 0-0 | - | 2-1 |
| Bradley | 0-0 | - | 1-1 |
| Drake | 0-0 | - | 1-1 |
| Illinois State | 0-0 | - | 1-1 |
| Indiana State | 0-0 | - | 1-1 |
| UIC | 0-0 | - | 1-1 |
| Valparaiso | 0-0 | - | 1-1 |

