CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) -- Darren Brooks had 17 points Saturday as Southern Illinois captured its fourth consecutive Missouri Valley Conference title by beating Wichita State 65-55.
Brooks also had five rebounds and three assists for the Salukis (24-6, 14-3 Missouri Valley). Teammate Jamaal Tatum had 16 points, while Stetson Hairston had 10.
Southern Illinois got off to a strong start, hitting six three-pointers in the first half. The Salukis led 40-27 at halftime, which enabled them to survive a terrible second half that saw both teams shoot less than 40 percent from the field.
The Shockers (19-7, 12-5) were led by Kyle Wilson who had 13 points and five rebounds. Jamar Howard added 11 points and seven rebounds.
