CHICAGO – A buzzer-beating layup by Jeniah Thompson secured a 55-53 victory for the Southern Illinois Salukis over the UIC Flames on Thursday night, marking a crucial win for the Salukis as they embark on a four-day road trip. The game, played at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago, saw a dominant first-half performance from Southern Illinois followed by a resilient comeback attempt from UIC, culminating in a dramatic finish.
The Salukis, now 7-13 overall and 4-7 in the Missouri Valley Conference, overcame a determined effort from the Flames (10-12, 5-6 MVC). The victory, described by head coach Kelly Bond-White as “ugly, but we’ll take the win,” highlights the team’s resilience and ability to close out games under pressure.
First-Half Dominance, Second-Half Battle
Southern Illinois established a commanding lead in the first quarter, fueled by efficient shooting and strong defensive play. Alayna Kraus’ early baskets set the tone, and a six-point run towards the end of the quarter extended their advantage to 17-4. The Salukis continued to build on their lead in the second quarter, with Kraus and Indya Green contributing key baskets. A three-pointer from Kayla Cooper further solidified their position, pushing the lead to as many as 19 points. By halftime, Southern Illinois held a comfortable 29-14 lead.
However, the Flames emerged from the break with renewed energy, launching a series of runs that chipped away at the Salukis’ advantage. UIC’s offensive surge in the third quarter narrowed the gap, forcing Southern Illinois to respond. Thompson’s contributions in the third, including a pair of crucial shots, helped maintain a buffer, but the Flames continued to press, reducing the deficit to just six points.
A Dramatic Fourth Quarter and Buzzer-Beater
The fourth quarter proved to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading baskets. UIC seized the momentum, briefly taking the lead with a 6-0 run. Southern Illinois responded with a series of scores from Kraus and Kynnedi Davis, regaining the lead. However, UIC quickly tied the game at 53-53 with a three-pointer and a layup, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
With seconds remaining, Thompson secured a critical offensive rebound and, as the buzzer sounded, converted a layup to secure the 55-53 victory for the Salukis. The play underscored Thompson’s impact on the game, contributing eight points and seven rebounds, including the game-winning score.
Key Performances and Statistical Highlights
Alayna Kraus led all scorers with 18 points, shooting an impressive 9-of-16 from the field. She also contributed four assists, demonstrating her all-around impact on the game. Thompson’s game-winning layup capped off a solid performance, adding eight points and seven rebounds. Tkiyah Nelson orchestrated the offense effectively, dishing out a game-high six assists.
UIC was led by Julia Coleman, who also scored 18 points. Jessica Carrothers added 13 points for the Flames.
Southern Illinois shot 43% from the field, while UIC managed 38%. The Salukis were 33% from three-point range and 60% from the free-throw line. UIC struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 18%.
Looking Ahead
The Salukis will continue their road trip on Saturday, February 7th, with a matchup against Valparaiso at . This game represents another opportunity for Southern Illinois to build on their recent success and improve their standing in the Missouri Valley Conference. The team will be looking to maintain the resilience and determination displayed in their victory over UIC as they face a challenging opponent on the road.
The win against UIC provides a boost of confidence for the Salukis as they navigate a demanding schedule. Coach Bond-White emphasized the importance of the team’s ability to overcome adversity and secure victories even when facing challenges. The Salukis will need to continue to rely on the contributions of key players like Kraus, Thompson, and Nelson to achieve success in the remainder of the season.
