SIU and SIU-Edwardsville are 112 miles apart geographically but on the court, the distance between the two teams seemed wider than that Wednesday.

The Salukis (4-3) dominated the Cougars (1-4) and led the game from beginning to end en route to a 79-67 win. The victory gave SIU a winning record for the first time since November 2012.

Saluki junior guard Anthony Beane led all scorers with 28 points. Junior Jalen Pendleton added 13 points and 7 rebounds. Pendleton came of the bench for the first time all season and made 9 of his 10 foul shots as well.

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Senior guard Kris Davis led the Cougars with 18 points, while junior guard Donivine Stewart chipped in with 17 points.

Both teams shot 46 percent in the game. SIU made 58 percent of its three-pointers and 75 percent of its free throws. SIU-E shot 33 percent from beyond the arc and 71 percent from the line.

Each team also had 16 turnovers, 6 steals and more than 20 fouls. SIU won the rebound battle for the second time this season, pulling down 36 boards, 16 on offense, compared to SIUE’s 21 total rebounds and 7 offensive.

The Salukis dominated the first half, holding the Cougars to just 23 percent shooting. It was 45-22 at halftime as Beane, who had 20 at intermission, nearly outscored the Cougars by himself.

SIUE heated up in the second half, outscoring the Dawgs 45-34. Edwardsville’s charge was led by 21 points from bench players, including 14 points from freshmen C.J. Carr and Keenan Simmons, who combined to shoot 8 for 9 in the half.

SIU plays Austin Peay at 7:35 p.m. Saturday at SIU Arena. The Governors beat the Dawgs last year in Clarksville, Tenn., 72-70.

Tyler Davis can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @TDavis_DE.

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