EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) -Shy Ely scored 18 of his 22 points in the second half Saturday night as Evansville held off Southern Illinois 60-56.
A 13-2 run at the end of the first half gave the Salukis (10-11, 5-5 Missouri Valley) a 27-24 lead at the break. But baskets by Ely and Jason Holsinger started a comeback for the Aces (13-7, 5-5) at the beginning of the second period.
The game was tied for the final time at 40 before two straight baskets by Ely put Evansville on top for good. The Aces took their biggest lead at 52-43 on two free throws by Ely before Southern Illinois' final comeback.
A 3-pointer by Justin Bocot pulled the Salukis within 56-54 with 24 seconds left, but Holsinger and Ely hit two free throws each to seal the victory.
Holsinger finished with 13 points and eight assists. Bocot led Southern Illinois with 12 points, and Tony Boyle added 11.
