Southern Illinois beats Loyola of Chicago 71-67

CHICAGO -- Desmar Jackson scored a career-high 31 points as Southern Illinois pushed past Loyola of Chicago in the final seconds to win 71-67 on Wednesday night.

Southern Illinois (5-11, 1-2 Missouri Valley Conference) trailed 67-65 after a Jeff White layup and two free throws from Christian Thomas put Loyola ahead. The Salukis tied up the score with 58 seconds to play, and Jalen Pendleton made a layup with 6 seconds left. Jackson sunk two free throws to close the game.

The Ramblers turned the ball over twice in the final 38 seconds and missed one free throw. The game remained within one possession for the majority of the second half, with the largest lead at four points.

Christian Thomas scored 21 points and Milton Doyle added 17 to lead Loyola (6-9, 1-2).

Both teams shot above 50 percent from the floor, but the Ramblers turned the ball over 17 times.