Austin Peay State University hosted a block party Tuesday night and the Salukis were not invited.

The Governors finished the game with 13 blocks and the most important block came on the final play, as sophomore guard Anthony Beane was denied a final attempt as the Salukis fell 72-70.

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Senior guard Desmar Jackson tied his career-high with 29 points and finished with 10 rebounds in the loss.

Scoring was not spread around for the Salukis in the first half. Jackson led with 11. They shot 13- 28 from the field but only 1-5 from 3-point range.

For the second straight game, the Salukis finished the first half with eight turnovers.

Sophomore guard Marcus Fillyaw who finished with 17 points in the loss to the Billikens was not on the court very often in the half, only logging two minutes. Fillyaw picked up two early fouls and was benched for the rest of the half.

The Salukis continued their strong rebounding for the first half of the game, and out rebounded the Governors 19-18.

SIU trailed 35-32 going into the break but Austin Peay started the second half on a mission and built a 55-38 lead with 13 minutes left.

The Salukis fought back towards the end of the game and were in good position to try and steal a win on the road.

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Governor guard Fred Garmon went to the line with a chance to ice the game for Austin Peay, they led 72-70 with Garmon getting two free throws. He missed both and the Salukis had the ball with 12 seconds left.

After several errant passes, Beane attempted a floater but was blocked by Austin Peay forward Chris Horton as time expired. Horton finished the game with seven blocks.

Sophomore guard Jalen Pendleton continued to be the spark off the bench for the Salukis. He finished with 13 points, but was 5-10 from the free-throw line.

Beane continued his poor shooting from the field. He was 3-10 in the game and is now 9-31 which puts him at 29 percent for the year.

Fouls were again an issue for the Salukis as they were called for 27 fouls, the Governors tallied 22. SIU went to the line 23 times in the game but was only able to capitalize on 14 attempts.

Despite the loss, the Salukis out rebounded Austin Peay 48-34.

SIU finished 2-10 from the 3-point line for the second game in a row. Jackson and Fillyaw have made the only Saluki 3-pointers in the last two games. Each player made one in each game.

The Salukis welcome Missouri University of Science and Technology, to SIU Arena Thursday. It is the Salukis’ first game in the Gulf Coast Showcase which they will finish up when they travel to Estero, Fla. this weekend.

Tyler Dixon can be reached at [email protected]

or 536-3311 ext. 269.