SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -Justin Bocot scored 28 points, including 18 in the second half, to lead Southern Illinois to a 72-64 win over Missouri State on Saturday.
SIU (11-13, 6-6 Missouri Valley) hit 9-of-15 from 3-point range and 90.5 percent if its free throws to overcome a 31-28 Missouri State lead at the half.
The Bears (10-14, 3-10) struggled from the free throw line, hitting only 54.2 percent.
After trailing by three at halftime, the Salukis came out hot, with Bocot scoring 16 of Southern Illinois' first 26 points.
Missouri State trailed 58-51 with 6:09 left in the game when Southern Illinois went on a 10-2 run to go up 68-53 with three minutes left.
Wesley Clemens had 11 points for the Salukis.
Kyle Weems led Missouri State with 14 points and 11 rebounds, Chris Cooks had 14 points and Cardell McFarland added 12.
