Salukis fall short to Bradley

By Joei Younker, Sports Reporter|February 2, 2023

Xavier Johnson (10) passes the ball to a teammate across the court during the home game against Murray State Jan. 25, 2023 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill.

The Salukis (17-7) traveled to Peoria to take on the Bradley Braves(16-8), but fell short 62-52.

The Dawgs were led by seniors Lance Jones and Xavier Johnson who both tallied 13 points. Jawaun Newton followed with seven points and Clarence Rupert close behind with six.

It was a point to point battle until halfway through the first half when Bradley tallied their lead up to five after a turnover by Dalton Banks. With 1:17 left in the first half the Salukis fought back from the Braves 26-20 lead with an offensive rebound and buzzer beater in the paint by Jones to end the half 26-25.

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Southern came out strong early in the second half, going shot for shot, until late in the second half when the Braves earned their largest lead of the game, ending the game 62-52.

Bradley outscored the Salukis in points off turnovers 17-10, second chance points 10-6, and bench points 19-8. Both teams shot under 50% in the game, but Bradley finished with 35 rebounds compared to the Salukis 27, to give them the advantage.

The Salukis will host the Missouri State Bears on Sunday Feb. 5, at 1 pm in the Banterra Center with hopes to gain redemption in the MVC.

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Sports Reporter Joei Younker can be reached at [email protected].