The men’s basketball team grabbed its first win of the season last night 96-74, with three Salukis scoring at least 20 points.

Despite the win, most of the post-game discussion was about the amount of fouls. More than 63 fouls were called in the game, with 74 free throws attempted.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again,” Coach Barry Hinson said. “I think we’re absolutely ruining the game, no one wants to come and watch free throw shooting.”

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Hinson said in his press conference that the weight of the rule change does not fall on the officials’ shoulders.

“It’s not the officials fault at all, it’s the NCAA’s fault,” Hinson said. “Last time I checked this game wasn’t broken. It’s amazing to me what we are doing to this game right now.”

Missouri University of Science and Technology entered the game with five players averaging double figures and were lead by senior Bryce Foster who averaged 26 points per game this season.

Initially it didn’t seem as if the game would be high scoring, but with 13 minutes left in the first half the score was 8-7 in favor of SIU, and they had the lead at halftime 36-29.

The Salukis started to pull away roughly 10 minutes into the second half, and didn’t let the Miners get within 10 points for the rest of the game.

Foster came into the game leading the Miners in points and rebounds per game, but finished with two points and fouled out of the game. Missouri S&T had three players foul out in the loss.

The X-factor off the bench for the Salukis continues to be sophomore guard Jalen Pendleton. Pendleton finished with 24 points and was 10-15 from the field.

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“I want him off the bench, I think he gives us a spark,” Hinson said.

Hinson may have to move Pendleton into the starting line-up for the upcoming tournament because senior forward Bronson Verhines will be out for roughly two weeks with a severely sprained ankle, according to Hinson.

Sophomore guard Anthony Beane showed up in a big way Thursday night. Beane entered the game not shooting well from the field but finished with 20 points and four assists.

Beane said he changed his approach going into the game which could have been a factor for his big night.

With the amount of fouls called there wasn’t a flow to the game, and Pendelton agree it was an ugly win.

“Credit those guys they played hard but we answered and responded well,” Pendleton said. “We got the job done.”

Senior guard Desmar Jackson continued his stellar play this season with 24 points and 10 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double.

Miners senior Mudiaga Eruteya led all players in scoring with 31 points and was 10-20 from the field and 9-11 from the free-throw line.

The Salukis will travel to Estero, Fla. for the Gulf Coast Showcase where they will play the St. Bonaventure University Bonnies at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Tyler Dixon can be reached at [email protected] or 536-3311 ext. 269.