SIU continued to work in new rotations in the second half of the game. Stulic was key during Southern's 22-2 run to end the first half, including a 9-2 run on his own. The sharpshooter connected on three triples in the first half and finished 4-for-7 from the field in his Saluki debut. Newcomer Jovan Stulic joined Johnson in double figures after the first 20 minutes, putting in 12 points. Southern took a 44-19 lead into the locker room at halftime after shooting over 50 percent from the field. Rupert finished the game with 13 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in the win, securing his first double-double in an SIU uniform. Southern jumped out to an 8-3 lead and never looked back as Johnson and big man Clarence Rupert were in sync to open the game, combining for 19 of SIU's first 30 points. Five Salukis scored in double figures with SIU being led by graduate guard Xavier Johnson with 20 points. – Southern Illinois men's basketball opened its season with an 88-57 victory over Kentucky State Monday evening inside Banterra Center.
