With a performance reminiscent of a professional, Troy Hudson made it rain in SIU Arena Saturday night.

With shouts of Shoot it Troy emanating from the stands, Hudson drenched players and fans alike with a seven three-point achievement in SIUC’s 76-54 rout of Wichita State University.

The Carbondale native said his shot selection was much better against Wichita State compared to last weeks loss against Bradley.

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I got on a roll and my teammates got me the ball when I needed it, Hudson said. I took some decent shots which I didn’t do the other night (against Bradley) and that’s what got me on the roll.

After hitting a mere one of 11 from the field against Bradley, Hudson contributed 35 of SIUC’s 76 points Saturday night, hitting 11 of 20 from the field and a perfect 6-6 from the free-throw line.

Hudson began his barrage from the three-point line five minutes into the game when he hit three in a row from behind the line. Two possessions later another one launched from behind the line found its mark as well.

Not only was he on target from three-point range, Hudson was on from all over the court. With quickness, Hudson penetrated the lane and score down low, leaving Wichita State defenders stunned. But, it was his three-point precision that held the crowd in awe, including SIUC coach Rich Herrin.

As any coach knows, a team either lives or dies by the three-pointer and Herrin is no exception to the rule. Herrin said Hudson’s shooting spree helped make the Salukis look good Saturday.

There’s no doubt Troy Hudson had a tremendous night shooting the basketball, Herrin said. He had real good patience with his shots.

You always look good when you hit the shot and if you don’t hit it you struggle a bit. There’s no doubt about it, when Troy is on it helps everybody out.

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Hudson said he likes to establish his rythm early on and can tell whether he’s in for a hot or cold night.

The first shot I took felt good coming out of my hand and I knew that if I got a good shot it would go in, Hudson said.

Earlier in the season against the University of Hilo in Hawaii, Hudson set an SIUC record for three-pointers in one game, connecting on 11 of 19.

Hudson leads the team in scoring with 218 points on the season.

Hudson said Saturday’s win will help boost the Salukis’ momentum heading into its rescheduled game against Drake on Tuesday.

We needed a win before going on the road, Hudson said. Hopefully we can go to Drake and play with the same intensity and come away with a victory.