Southern Illinois beats Portland 80-79

Nov 28, 2015, 10:38 pm

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- Anthony Beane and Sean O'Brien each scored 18 points, Armon Fletcher hit the winning shot, and Southern Illinois beat Portland 80-79 on Saturday night at the Corpus Christi Coastal Classic.

Leo Vincent put the Salukis ahead 77-75 with 2:38 to play, but Alec Wintering tied it at 77 with two free throws. Fletcher hit his 3-pointer and Portland's Gabe Taylor replied with a dunk, but the Pilots missed two shots in the final 1:29.

There were 12 ties and 16 lead changes. The Salukis made 16 of 22 free throws and led 40-39 at halftime.

O'Brien grabbed 10 rebounds for the Salukis (6-1), who lost their first game of the season Friday against UTEP 71-66.

Bryce Pressley led Portland (3-4) with 18 points and four 3-pointers, Jason Todd scored 14, Wintering had 12 and Taylor 10.