CARBONDALE, Ill. — In an impressive performance on Monday night, Ali Abdou Dibba scored 17 points, leading the Southern Illinois Salukis to a decisive 69-44 victory over the North Dakota State Bison.

In addition to his scoring, Dibba contributed significantly on the boards, pulling down seven rebounds to help secure the win for Southern Illinois, which improved to a 2-2 record this season. Jarrett Hensley and Kennard Davis also had solid outings, each chipping in with nine points.

On the other side, the Bison struggled to find their rhythm, with Jacari White being their standout player, finishing the night with nine points and four assists. Brennan Watkins added eight points but could not spark a rally for North Dakota State, who now hold a 2-3 record.

Southern Illinois established their dominance early, seizing the lead just 40 seconds into the game and maintaining control throughout. They entered halftime with a solid 34-23 advantage, allowing them to dictate the pace in the second half. The Salukis’ strong defensive effort played a crucial role in limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities.

Overall, this matchup highlighted the Salukis’ continuing progress as they seek to build momentum moving forward in their season. The team will aim to carry this positive energy into their next contests as they strengthen their performance on the court.