| SIU senior center Derrick Tilmon (42) scores an early first-half basket while junior Abel Schrader (45) looks for inside position. Tilmon had 14 points (11 during the first half) to go with 7 rebounds. |
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SIUC (8-6) lost a tough game against visiting Creighton University (10-4) before the largest crowd (5520 fans) of this season at the SIU arena. The Saluki trailed at halftime 34-39 and closed the lead several times to 2 points before the Bluejays pulled away and handed the Salukis a disappointing 66-72 home loss. SIU out-rebounded Creighton (38-31), dished out more assists (21-18), had fewer turnovers (14-17), but also had fewer steals (7-11), converted fewer free throws (12-19 vs 15-20) and connected on less of their 2-pt (23 of 61 vs CU's 24 of 45) and 3-pt (8 of 30 vs CU's 9 of 18) baskets. |
| SIU senior center Derrick Tilmon (42) scores an early first-half basket while junior Abel Schrader (45) looks for inside position. Tilmon had 14 points (11 during the first half) to go with 7 rebounds. |
| Saluki senior forward Chris Thunell (32) shoots over Creighton senior center Nerijus Karlikanovas (55). Thunell led SIU with 20 points. |
| Bluejays junior guard Ben Walker (4) shoots over SIU's Abel Schrader (45) on his way to 10 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. |
| Bluejays junior guard Ryan Sears (5) led all scorers with 25 points to go along with his 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals. SIU's Ricky Collum (5) watches in vain. |
| SIU sophomore guard Brandon Mells (3) scores 2 of his 9 points over CU's Sears (5). Mells also had 6 boards, 5 assists and 2 steals. |
| Creighton's Nerijus Karlikanovas (55) scored easily from the outside and inside, finishing the game with 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. |