CARBONDALE, Ill. (Interstat) — Southern Illinois held off a second-half rally to defeat Valparaiso 75-70 in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball game Thursday at SIU Arena. The Salukis led 36-25 at halftime before the Beacons surged after the break. Owen Dease led all scorers with 26 points for Valparaiso. JT Pettigrew added 18 points and seven rebounds. Southern Illinois countered with balanced scoring, led by Prince Aligbe and Quel’Ron House with 12 points each. Rolyns Aligbe grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds for the Salukis. Attendance was 5,758. Southern Illinois improved to 7-8 overall, while Valparaiso fell to 6-8.

CARBONDALE, Ill. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum to open the new year will meet Thursday when the Valparaiso Beacons visit the Southern Illinois Salukis in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup. The game at SIU Arena tips off the 2026 calendar year and a critical stretch of league play for both squads. Valparaiso (6-7) and Southern Illinois (6-8) enter with identical 0-1 records in conference play, each coming off narrow road losses on Dec. 29. The Beacons fell 58-48 at Northern Iowa, hampered by a cold shooting night. They will lean on forward Owen Dease, who has emerged as a consistent scoring threat. Dease poured in 18 points in the loss to UNI and is averaging 17.8 points over his last four games, including a 25-point performance against Murray State on Dec. 21. Southern Illinois dropped an 84-81 decision at Murray State in its last outing. The Salukis showed offensive firepower but will look to tighten a defense that has allowed 80 or more points in three of its last five games. Forward Prince Aligbe provides a spark, coming off a season-high 19-point effort at Murray State. His athleticism will be key against Valparaiso’s frontcourt. Both teams have struggled for consistency in nonconference play. Valparaiso’s season includes an overtime loss to Marquette and a win over Cleveland State, but also a home loss to Southern Indiana. Southern Illinois owns a road win at High Point and a dominant home victory over Tennessee-Martin, but has faced offensive droughts in other contests. History adds intrigue, as the teams will meet again in Valparaiso on Jan. 21. Thursday’s winner will gain an early leg up in the conference standings and valuable confidence. For the Beacons, it’s about jump-starting an offense that managed just 48 points last time out. For the Salukis, protecting their home floor is paramount as they begin a two-game homestand. Tipoff is set for Thursday afternoon at SIU Arena.