Southern Illinois Dominates McKendree in Season Opener
Monday, November 3, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Banterra Center
Southern Illinois Salukis 83, McKendree Bearcats 42, 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 McKendree Bearcats vs Southern Illinois Salukis?
Southern Illinois Salukis beat McKendree Bearcats 83-42 at Banterra Center on November 3, 2025.
In a decisive victory, the Southern Illinois Salukis defeated the McKendree Bearcats 83-42 at the Banterra Center, showcasing their strength in the season opener. This match was particularly noteworthy as it marked Southern Illinois' first game of the season, while McKendree faced a challenging start.
Southern Illinois entered the game with a home record of 1-0, while their recent form over the last ten games stood at 4-6, with an average of 72.2 points scored and 75.1 points allowed. The Salukis had been struggling, finishing their previous season with a record that included a loss to the Drake Bulldogs (53-70) and a narrow victory against Indiana State (86-85). Their last five games reflected a slight improvement with an average of 76.6 points scored, albeit with an average of 82.4 points allowed.
In contrast, McKendree's pre-game form was less favorable, as they entered the contest looking to establish themselves against a formidable opponent. The Bearcats were coming off a challenging period, and their performance in this game did not help their cause, as they were outmatched throughout.
The game itself was dominated by the Salukis, who quickly established control. Southern Illinois built a substantial lead, and by the end of the first half, they were ahead significantly. The scoring plays in the second half highlighted their offensive prowess, with contributions from various players. Notable moments included Jorge Moreno's layup assisted by Isaiah Stafford, and a series of free throws by Jalen Haynes that further extended the Salukis' lead.
Southern Illinois' scoring was well-distributed, and they showcased their ability to capitalize on opportunities. As the game progressed, the Bearcats struggled to keep pace, with their scoring efforts falling short. The final score of 83-42 underscored the Salukis' dominance on their home court.
In terms of the betting market, Southern Illinois was heavily favored, with a home win probability of 1.0, reflecting confidence in their performance. The conditions at the Banterra Center were conducive for the Salukis, who thrived in front of their home crowd.
Overall, this game served as a strong statement from Southern Illinois as they look to build on their season. The Salukis demonstrated their capability to perform at a high level, while McKendree will need to regroup and address their shortcomings moving forward.
Leaders
- PointsQuel'Ron House18Southern Illinois Salukis
- AssistsDamien Mayo Jr.4Southern Illinois Salukis
- ReboundsMax Pikaar8Southern Illinois Salukis
- PointsCaleb Burton8McKendree Bearcats
- AssistsCaleb Burton2McKendree Bearcats
- ReboundsRini Harris6McKendree Bearcats
Recent form
Southern Illinois Salukis
Last 10: 4-6Streak L172.2 scored · 75.1 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L53-70at Drake BulldogsMar 7
- W86-85vs Indiana State SycamoresMar 6
- L77-95at Indiana State SycamoresMar 2
- W88-79vs Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 26
- L79-83vs Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 23
- L60-62at Murray State RacersFeb 20
- L68-73vs Belmont BruinsFeb 16
- L64-78at Bradley BravesFeb 13
- W79-67vs UIC FlamesFeb 8
- W68-59at Evansville Purple AcesFeb 6
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 | McKendree Bearcats | Southern Illinois Salukis |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 15-54 | 31-63 |
| Field goal % | 28 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 5-22 | 7-26 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 27 |
| Free throws | 7-17 | 14-24 |
| Free throw % | 41 | 58 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 51 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 36 |
| Assists | 7 | 20 |
| Steals | 8 | 10 |
| Blocks | 1 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 2 | 26 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 44 |
| Fouls | 24 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 41 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half15-37Rolyns Aligbe made Free Throw.
- 1st Half16-37Caleb Burton made Free Throw.
- 1st Half17-37Caleb Burton made Free Throw.
- 1st Half17-38Max Pikaar made Free Throw.
- 1st Half17-40Davion Sykes made Layup. Assisted by Caden Hawkins.
- 1st Half20-40Caleb Burton made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half20-42Rolyns Aligbe made Layup.
- 2nd Half22-42Rini Harris made Layup. Assisted by Wyatt Zellers.
- 2nd Half22-44Quel'Ron House made Layup.
- 2nd Half25-44Joshua Schönbäck made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Caleb Burton.
- 2nd Half25-46Rolyns Aligbe made Dunk. Assisted by Quel'Ron House.
- 2nd Half26-46Rini Harris made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half26-47Damien Mayo Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half26-49Prince Aligbe made Layup.
- 2nd Half26-52Jalen Haynes made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Damien Mayo Jr..
- 2nd Half26-54Quel'Ron House made Jumper.
- 2nd Half29-54Jakob Fredricksen made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Justin King.
- 2nd Half32-54Justin King made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half32-55Quel'Ron House made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half32-56Quel'Ron House made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half32-58Quel'Ron House made Jumper.
- 2nd Half32-59Quel'Ron House made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half32-61Jaheem Webber made Dunk. Assisted by Drew Steffe.
- 2nd Half32-63Drew Steffe made Layup.
- 2nd Half32-65Rolyns Aligbe made Dunk. Assisted by Damien Mayo Jr..
- 2nd Half35-65Jakob Fredricksen made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Wyatt Zellers.
- 2nd Half35-67Max Pikaar made Layup. Assisted by Caden Hawkins.
- 2nd Half37-67Andrew Moore made Layup.
- 2nd Half38-67Andrew Moore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half38-70Max Pikaar made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jalen Haynes.
- 2nd Half39-70Andrew Moore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half40-70Andrew Moore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half40-72Jorge Moreno made Layup. Assisted by Isaiah Stafford.
- 2nd Half40-73Jalen Haynes made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half40-74Jalen Haynes made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half42-74Blake Pingeton made Layup. Assisted by Caleb Burton.
- 2nd Half42-76Davion Sykes made Layup. Assisted by Isaiah Stafford.
- 2nd Half42-78Quel'Ron House made Jumper.
- 2nd Half42-81Caden Hawkins made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jalen Haynes.
- 2nd Half42-83Jaheem Webber made Dunk. Assisted by Caden Hawkins.
Win probability
Above the line favours Southern Illinois Salukis, below favours McKendree Bearcats.
Venue
- Banterra CenterCarbondale, IL
- Attendance3719
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