CARBONDALE, Ill. — In an exciting matchup on Saturday night, Valparaiso triumphed over Southern Illinois with a score of 83-79, thanks in large part to the remarkable performance of all-around player Wright, who scored 29 points.

Wright’s shooting stats were impressive, making 10 out of 26 attempts from the field, which included three successful 3-point shots out of eight tries, and he finished strong at the free-throw line, hitting all six attempts. The Beacons’ offense was also supported by Justus McNair, who contributed 14 points while connecting on four of six field goal attempts, including two out of four from beyond the arc. Additionally, McNair was effective at the free-throw line, sinking four out of five. Cooper Schwieger rounded out the key scorers with 12 points, hitting four of 12 shots from the field and going a perfect four for four from the free-throw line, alongside securing eight rebounds.

For Southern Illinois, Kennard Davis shone brightly, leading his team with 21 points and also dishing out six assists. Ali Abdou Dibba provided solid support, adding 16 points and seven rebounds. Both Damien Mayo Jr. and Drew Steffe contributed equally with 11 points apiece, making a strong collective effort for the Salukis.

The turning point of the game came in the second half when Valparaiso launched an impressive 15-2 run. This surge allowed them to overturn a five-point deficit to seize an important lead at 81-73 with just under three minutes left on the clock, fueled by McNair’s 14 points scored during that half.

Looking ahead, Valparaiso is set to face Bradley at home on Wednesday, while Southern Illinois will host Illinois State on Tuesday. The upcoming matches should provide an exciting continuation of the season for both teams.