Dee lifts San Diego 59-56 over Southern Illinois

Nov 27, 2013, 05:52 pm

ESTERO, Fla. -- Johnny Dee struggled but made important shots down the stretch as San Diego edged Southern Illinois 59-56 on Wednesday for fifth place in the Gulf Coast Showcase.

Dee hit a 3-pointer with 2:58 to go that gave San Diego (7-1) the lead for good 53-50. He also made two free throws with two seconds remaining to extend San Diego's lead to three. Dee was only 2 of 13 from the field, but made 11 of 12 free throws to lead the Toreros with 17 points.

San Diego shot just 29.2 percent but made 26 of 32 free throws. Christopher Anderson was 9 of 10 from the stripe to finish with 16 points.

Desmar Jackson led all scorers with 23 points for the Salukis (2-5). Sean O'Brien had 11 points and Anthony Beane added 10. Jackson nearly hit a 25-foot leaner to tie the game at the buzzer.