Recap: Southern Ill vs. Evansville

Carbondale, IL (Sports Network) - Jeff Early recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Southern Illinois Salukis to help defeat the Evansville Purple Aces, 65-56, in a Missouri Valley Conference clash at SIU Arena.

Early led two other Salukis (10-15, 3-11 MVC) in double-figures, Anthony Beane Jr. and Jalen Pendleton, who had 12 points each, Southern Illinois earned its second win in the last three games after a six-game losing streak.

For Evansville (14-12, 7-7), Colt Ryan scored 21 points while knocking down five 3-pointers as the game's top scorer. Troy Taylor added 10 points and four steals for the Purple Aces who have lost three of their last four games.

After shooting 50.0 percent from the field in the first half, SIU led 31-30 at the break. Evansville shot 44.4 percent from the field but stayed close by hitting 5-of-9 from 3-point range.

In the second half the Salukis held the Purple Aces to 37.0 percent shooting and hit 14-of-23 shots from the free-throw line to hold on for the win.

Evansville scored only five points at the free-throw line off eight attempts while although SIU made 17-of-29 attempts.