VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) — Ben Krikke came off the bench to score 15 points as Valparaiso defeated Southern Illinois 55-38 on Wednesday night.
Javon Freeman-Liberty had 14 points and seven rebounds for Valparaiso (13-13, 6-7 Missouri Valley Conference).
Southern Illinois shot 23.6% for the game. In the first half, the Salukis made only two two-point field goals, three 3-pointers and three free throws to trail 28-16 at halftime.
Eric McGill had 13 points and six rebounds for the Salukis (15-11, 9-4), who had won seven in a row. Ronnie Suggs Jr. added six rebounds.
The teams split their season series. Southern Illinois defeated Valparaiso 63-50 on Jan. 7.
Valparaiso plays at Illinois State on Saturday. Southern Illinois plays Bradley at home on Saturday.
