The Salukis concluded their 3-game road trip with a stop at Valparaiso University on Feb. 7 to face the Beacons in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup. SIU looked to continue the recent success and rack up its fourth win in the last five games. Through many lead changes and ties, SIU emerged victorious by a score of 82-73.
The first quarter began, and the Beacons won the tipoff, but couldn’t score on the opening possession. The Salukis quickly gained a 4-0 lead on baskets from guard Jeniah Thompson and forward Indya Green. Valpo answered back with an impressive 10-point run, putting the Beacons on top. While the Dawgs sprinkled in points here and there, they could not find an answer for the opposing offense as they got outscored 17-11 in the first quarter.
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Heading into the second quarter, the Salukis needed to implement a new defensive mindset to retake the lead. Their adjustments paid off, sparking a 9-0 run to take a 22-17 lead over their conference opponents.
The two teams battled back and forth, racking up many ties and lead changes, but the SIU backcourt took control. Guard Alayna Kraus led the pack with 7 points, followed by guards Kayla Cooper and Tkiyah Nelson with 6 points each. With a cleaner quarter from the Salukis, SIU strolled into halftime with a 36-30 lead.
Coming out of the half, the Beacons made field goals and free throws with ease, and tied the game up once again. Green found her mojo, scoring a dazzling 17 points in the third quarter on efficient shooting splits. The high-powered and cohesive SIU offense gave them a 15-point lead entering the final quarter.
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The fourth quarter came, and Kraus and Green were unstoppable. Even with a strong Saluki offense, the Beacons did not quit. Valpo regained momentum and came within 3 points late in the game. Four consecutive free throws by Kraus put the game out of reach, and SIU strolled out of the arena with a win.
Green finished the game with a remarkable 29 points and 14 rebounds.
“[Indya Green] is special inside. The midrange is an added bonus that opponents hope she takes because they can’t handle her down low,” head coach Kelly Bond-White said.
With this win, the Salukis are now 8-13 overall and have a 5-7 record in conference play. The Beacons remain winless at 0-24 overall and 0-13 in MVC games. The Salukis return to Banterra Center on Friday, Feb. 13, to face the Redbirds of Illinois State University.
Sports Reporter Noah Petschke can be reached at [email protected]
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