Southern Illinois Dominates Evansville in Home Win
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Banterra Center
Southern Illinois Salukis 86, Evansville Purple Aces 60, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Evansville Purple Aces vs Southern Illinois Salukis?
Southern Illinois Salukis beat Evansville Purple Aces 86-60 at Banterra Center on February 12, 2026.
Who was favored in Evansville Purple Aces vs Southern Illinois Salukis?
Southern Illinois Salukis were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -900 (about 90% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Banterra Center, the Southern Illinois Salukis triumphed over the Evansville Purple Aces with a final score of 86-60. This victory marks a significant moment for Southern Illinois, which has been striving to improve its standing in the league. With this win, the Salukis have now moved to a home record of 12-14, while the Purple Aces fall to 6-20 on the season.
Southern Illinois entered the game with a recent record of 3-6-1 over their last ten games, but they were riding a one-game winning streak after defeating the Indiana State Sycamores 80-65 just days prior. In that game, the Salukis showcased their scoring ability, averaging 60.7 points over their last ten games while allowing 61.2 points. Their performance at home has been less than stellar, with a home record of 1-4 in the last ten games. However, their recent form suggested a potential turnaround, especially with their last five games averaging 69.2 points scored and 64.8 points allowed.
On the other hand, Evansville has struggled throughout the season, reflected in their 2-7-1 record in their last ten games. They also came into this game with a one-game winning streak after defeating the Illinois State Redbirds 88-80. The Purple Aces have averaged 62.7 points scored while allowing 70.5 points during this stretch. Their away record has been particularly poor, standing at 1-4 in their last five away games, which has contributed to their overall disappointing season.
The teams had met previously this season on January 25, 2026, resulting in a draw with a score of 0-0. In their last three meetings, Southern Illinois holds a slight edge with a record of 1-1-1. In the previous season, the Salukis secured a victory against Evansville with a score of 68-59, while they lost to them earlier in the same season with a score of 53-68.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details about player availability for either team, but it is essential to consider how injuries can impact performance in such matchups. The odds set by DraftKings favored Southern Illinois significantly, with a spread of -12.5 and a money line of -900. Evansville was listed at +600 for the money line, indicating a challenging outlook for the Purple Aces.
The game conditions were typical for a mid-February matchup, with both teams likely facing standard collegiate basketball challenges, including travel fatigue for Evansville. Viewers were treated to a display of Southern Illinois' offensive capabilities, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively. Notable scoring plays included Kaia Berridge's impressive 24-foot three-point jumper and Rolyns Aligbe's dunk, showcasing the Salukis' ability to capitalize on opportunities.
As the game progressed, Southern Illinois maintained control, with standout performances from players like Caden Hawkins, who made a notable 25-foot three-point jumper, and Jalen Haynes, who capped off the scoring with a dunk. The Salukis' ability to dominate the boards and their defensive strategies played a crucial role in their victory, allowing them to outscore Evansville significantly in the second half.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two programs, with Southern Illinois looking to build momentum as the season progresses, while Evansville continues to seek answers to their struggles. The final score of 86-60 reflects the Salukis' dominance and sets the stage for their upcoming games as they aim to improve their overall record.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SIU -12.5 | 142.5 o -110 / u -110 | Evansville Purple Aces +600 · Southern Illinois Salukis -900 |
Leaders
- PointsRolyns Aligbe18Southern Illinois Salukis
- AssistsDrew Steffe4Southern Illinois Salukis
- ReboundsRolyns Aligbe7Southern Illinois Salukis
- PointsBryce Quinet20Evansville Purple Aces
- AssistsAJ Casey5Evansville Purple Aces
- ReboundsAJ Casey9Evansville Purple Aces
Recent form
Southern Illinois Salukis
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak W160.7 scored · 61.2 allowed per game1-4 at home
- W80-65at Indiana State SycamoresFeb 10
- L81-91vs Murray State RacersFeb 7
- W54-50at Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 4
- L66-68vs UIC FlamesFeb 1
- W65-50vs Northern Iowa PanthersJan 29
- D0-0at Evansville Purple AcesJan 25
- L63-69at Valparaiso BeaconsJan 22
- L68-73vs Belmont BruinsJan 18
- L73-76vs Drake BulldogsJan 15
- L57-70at UIC FlamesJan 8
Evansville Purple Aces
Last 10: 2-7-1Streak W162.7 scored · 70.5 allowed per game1-4 away
- W88-80vs Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 10
- L63-70at Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 7
- L63-84vs Indiana State SycamoresFeb 4
- L55-71at Northern Iowa PanthersJan 31
- L78-82at Drake BulldogsJan 29
- D0-0vs Southern Illinois SalukisJan 25
- L49-76at UIC FlamesJan 21
- L90-94vs Bradley BravesJan 14
- W72-69at Indiana State SycamoresJan 10
- L69-79vs Murray State RacersJan 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Evansville Purple Aces | Southern Illinois Salukis |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-59 | 34-65 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 9-31 | 9-27 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 33 |
| Free throws | 3-4 | 9-11 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 27 |
| Assists | 8 | 13 |
| Steals | 6 | 10 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 48 |
| Fouls | 9 | 8 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 28 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 8 | 91 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half28-39AJ Casey makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 1st Half29-39AJ Casey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 1st Half32-39Alex Hemenway makes 24-foot three point jumper (AJ Casey assists)
- 1st Half32-41Drew Steffe makes layup
- 1st Half32-43Jalen Haynes makes layup
- 2nd Half32-45Prince Aligbe makes layup
- 2nd Half32-47Quel'Ron House makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half32-49Quel'Ron House makes layup
- 2nd Half35-49Joshua Hughes makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bryce Quinet assists)
- 2nd Half35-51Quel'Ron House makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half35-54Drew Steffe makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half35-56Prince Aligbe makes layup (Quel'Ron House assists)
- 2nd Half38-56Joshua Hughes makes 23-foot three point jumper (Leif Moeller assists)
- 2nd Half38-58Damien Mayo Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half40-58Bryce Quinet makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half40-59Rolyns Aligbe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-60Rolyns Aligbe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-60Bryce Quinet makes layup
- 2nd Half42-62Damien Mayo Jr. makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half44-62Bryce Quinet makes layup
- 2nd Half45-62Bryce Quinet makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half47-62Joshua Hughes makes layup
- 2nd Half50-62Trent Hundley makes 22-foot three point jumper (Leif Moeller assists)
- 2nd Half50-63Quel'Ron House makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-64Quel'Ron House makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-66Jalen Haynes makes layup (Max Pikaar assists)
- 2nd Half50-69Max Pikaar makes 25-foot three point jumper (Damien Mayo Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half52-69Leif Moeller makes 19-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half52-71Damien Mayo Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half52-73Damien Mayo Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half52-75Davion Sykes makes layup
- 2nd Half52-77Quel'Ron House makes layup
- 2nd Half55-77Kaia Berridge makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half55-79Rolyns Aligbe makes 3-foot dunk (Drew Steffe assists)
- 2nd Half55-81Prince Aligbe makes layup
- 2nd Half57-81Bryce Quinet makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half57-84Caden Hawkins makes 25-foot three point jumper (Prince Aligbe assists)
- 2nd Half58-84Joshua Hughes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-86Jalen Haynes makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half60-86Bryce Quinet makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Southern Illinois Salukis, below favours Evansville Purple Aces.
Venue
- Banterra CenterCarbondale, IL
- Attendance3300
- OfficialsRick Crawford, Bret Smith, Matthew Rukasin
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