Jan. 23, 2010
Box Score 
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Senior Osiris Eldridge had three tries to sink the potential game winner in the final minute, but none of them fell, as Illinois State dropped a tight contest at Southern Illinois, 81-80, in overtime Saturday afternoon in SIU Arena.
With the loss, the Redbirds fell to 14-6 overall and 5-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while Southern Illinois improved to 11-7 and 4-5, respectively. The difference in the contest was the 2-for-10 shooting by the Redbirds in overtime, while SIU was 5-for-6 from the free throw line in the extra period.
SIU had a chance with three seconds left in regulation to claim the win, but Carlton Fay was forced to heave a desperation shot on a broken play. The two teams headed into the overtime period knotted, at 74-74.
Eldridge, along with Dinma Odiakosa and Tony Lewis, led the Redbirds with 16 points apiece. Odiakosa fouled out of the game, along with Lloyd Phillips, who finished with 11 points. Kevin Dillard led five SIU players in double-figure scoring with 18 points.
The two teams went toe-to-toe in the first half, matching each other shot for shot. Southern Illinois shot 64 percent in the first half, but Illinois State was still able to hold court, as the two teams were tied 46-46 at the half. Dillard led the Salukis with 13 first-half points, while Eldridge fired in 12 first-half tallies of his own.
The Redbirds will continue their road swing, as Illinois State travels to Wichita State Wednesday night for a 6:05 p.m. tip.
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