CARBONDALE, Ill. — In an exciting matchup on Saturday, Southern Illinois triumphed over Southern Indiana with a final score of 73-70, thanks in large part to the impressive performance by Ali Abdou Dibba, who scored 19 points.

Dibba was not only a scoring leader but also contributed defensively, recording three steals during the game. The Salukis, now holding a record of 4-6 overall and 0-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference, saw a strong performance from Jarrett Hensley as well. Hensley tallied 16 points, demonstrating solid shooting by making 4 out of 10 attempts, including 1 out of 4 from beyond the arc, and successfully converting 7 out of 10 free throws while also grabbing 11 rebounds.

Kennard Davis also made a notable contribution, scoring 11 points by going 5 for 10 from the field. On the opposing side, Southern Indiana’s Stephen Olowoniyi stood out with a remarkable 24 points, making him a key player for the Screaming Eagles, who now sit at 4-5 for the season.

In addition to Olowoniyi, Jayland Randall provided substantial support, adding 22 points along with two steals. Jack Mielke chipped in with six points and pulled down six rebounds, completing a competitive effort from Southern Indiana.

The exhilarating game showcased the determination of both teams, with Southern Illinois managing to secure the win in the close contest. This match certainly sets the stage for an engaging season ahead in the Missouri Valley Conference.