Southern Illinois Defeats Indiana State 66-55 at Home
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Banterra Center
Southern Illinois Salukis 66, Indiana State Sycamores 55, 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 Indiana State Sycamores vs Southern Illinois Salukis?
Southern Illinois Salukis beat Indiana State Sycamores 66-55 at Banterra Center on February 25, 2026.
Who was favored in Indiana State Sycamores vs Southern Illinois Salukis?
Southern Illinois Salukis were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -380 (about 79% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Banterra Center, the Southern Illinois Salukis secured a 66-55 victory over the Indiana State Sycamores. This win marks a continuation of Southern Illinois' strong performance in recent games, as they have now won three consecutive contests and five of their last six. This victory also adds to their home record, which stands at 15-15 for the season.
The Salukis have shown a solid scoring average of 61.7 points over their last ten games, while allowing just 57.2 points per game. Their recent form has been impressive, highlighted by a two-game winning streak. In their last five games, they averaged 70.2 points scored and 62.6 points allowed, showcasing their ability to both score and defend effectively. In contrast, the Indiana State Sycamores have struggled significantly, suffering their fifth consecutive loss and managing only a single win in their last ten games. Their record now stands at 10-20, with an alarming average of 70.2 points scored but a concerning 76.4 points allowed during this stretch.
Historically, the Salukis have had the upper hand in their recent matchups against the Sycamores, winning two out of their last three meetings. Their most recent encounter prior to this game was on February 10, 2026, where Southern Illinois triumphed 80-65. The Salukis also won a close contest on March 6, 2025, finishing 86-85, while Indiana State had a victory earlier in the 2025 season with a score of 95-77.
In terms of home and away performances, Southern Illinois has demonstrated a stronger home advantage, with a home record of 15-15 compared to Indiana State's away struggles, reflected in their 1-4 record in their last five away games. The Sycamores have not won any of their last five games overall, further compounding their difficulties this season.
The betting odds from DraftKings indicated Southern Illinois as the favorites, with a spread of -8.5. The total for the game was set at 147.5, with the over at odds of -115 and the under at -105. The moneyline favored Southern Illinois at -380, while Indiana State was priced at +300.
In terms of player contributions during the game, the second half saw several key plays that highlighted the Salukis' offensive strategy. Derek Vorst made significant contributions with a layup and a three-pointer, while Jalen Haynes added crucial free throws to maintain the Salukis' lead. Camp Wagner also showcased his shooting ability with a long-range three-pointer, contributing to the team's scoring efforts.
As for the conditions of the game, the atmosphere at the Banterra Center was charged with anticipation as fans rallied behind their home team. The Salukis' solid defensive play was evident, as they managed to contain the Sycamores' scoring attempts, particularly in the second half.
Viewers should have noted the Salukis' effective ball movement and defensive strategies, which played a crucial role in their victory. The game showcased Southern Illinois' ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities while maintaining a strong defensive presence against Indiana State's offensive efforts. Overall, this matchup highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with Southern Illinois continuing to build momentum as they approach the conclusion of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SIU -8.5 | 147.5 o -115 / u -105 | Indiana State Sycamores +300 · Southern Illinois Salukis -380 |
Leaders
- PointsQuel'Ron House12Southern Illinois Salukis
- AssistsJalen Haynes4Southern Illinois Salukis
- ReboundsQuel'Ron House9Southern Illinois Salukis
- PointsXavier Hall13Indiana State Sycamores
- AssistsIan Scott3Indiana State Sycamores
- ReboundsEnel St. Bernard9Indiana State Sycamores
Recent form
Southern Illinois Salukis
Last 10: 6-3-1Streak W261.7 scored · 57.2 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W59-57at Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 21
- W66-61at Drake BulldogsFeb 19
- L60-70vs Bradley BravesFeb 15
- W86-60vs Evansville Purple AcesFeb 13
- 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
Indiana State Sycamores
Last 10: 1-9Streak L570.2 scored · 76.4 allowed per game1-4 away
- L70-87at Belmont BruinsFeb 22
- L60-81vs Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 19
- L75-76at Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 15
- L72-74vs Murray State RacersFeb 13
- L65-80vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 10
- W84-63at Evansville Purple AcesFeb 4
- L72-76vs Valparaiso BeaconsJan 31
- L74-76at UIC FlamesJan 28
- L62-76vs Drake BulldogsJan 24
- L68-75at Bradley BravesJan 22
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 | Indiana State Sycamores | Southern Illinois Salukis |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-56 | 25-64 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 7-27 | 2-19 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 11 |
| Free throws | 6-12 | 14-16 |
| Free throw % | 50 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 30 |
| Assists | 12 | 12 |
| Steals | 5 | 10 |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 44 |
| Fouls | 13 | 9 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 20 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 15 | 78 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half19-34Jaheem Webber makes 2-foot dunk (Quel'Ron House assists)
- 1st Half20-34Enel St. Bernard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half21-34Enel St. Bernard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half21-36Davion Sykes makes 2-foot dunk (Jalen Haynes assists)
- 1st Half23-36Bruno Alocen makes 9-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half25-36Ian Scott makes layup (Bruno Alocen assists)
- 2nd Half25-37Prince Aligbe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half25-39Rolyns Aligbe makes layup (Damien Mayo Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half27-39Enel St. Bernard makes layup (Ian Scott assists)
- 2nd Half27-41Quel'Ron House makes layup
- 2nd Half27-42Drew Steffe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half27-43Drew Steffe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half27-45Davion Sykes makes layup (Damien Mayo Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half29-45Xavier Hall makes layup
- 2nd Half29-46Quel'Ron House makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half29-47Quel'Ron House makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half30-47Ian Scott makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half31-47Ian Scott makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-49Quel'Ron House makes layup
- 2nd Half34-49Jo Van Buggenhout makes 25-foot three point jumper (Camp Wagner assists)
- 2nd Half34-51Prince Aligbe makes layup (Jalen Haynes assists)
- 2nd Half34-54Drew Steffe makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quel'Ron House assists)
- 2nd Half36-54Derek Vorst makes 9-foot jumper (Xavier Hall assists)
- 2nd Half39-54Xavier Hall makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bruno Alocen assists)
- 2nd Half41-54Ian Scott makes layup (Jo Van Buggenhout assists)
- 2nd Half41-55Jalen Haynes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-56Jalen Haynes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-57Jalen Haynes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-58Jalen Haynes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-58Enel St. Bernard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-60Damien Mayo Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half42-62Drew Steffe makes 5-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half44-62Derek Vorst makes layup
- 2nd Half47-62Derek Vorst makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jo Van Buggenhout assists)
- 2nd Half50-62Camp Wagner makes 25-foot three point jumper (Derek Vorst assists)
- 2nd Half50-63Jalen Haynes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-64Jalen Haynes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-64Derek Vorst makes layup
- 2nd Half52-66Davion Sykes makes layup
- 2nd Half55-66Camp Wagner makes 24-foot three point jumper (Derek Vorst assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Southern Illinois Salukis, below favours Indiana State Sycamores.
Venue
- Banterra CenterCarbondale, IL
- Attendance3404
- OfficialsErvin Wilson, Tommy Johnson, Jacob Hirz
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