Lloyd, Cook combine for 48, lead S. Illinois to 83-73 win

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) Sean Lloyd Jr. and Aaron Cook combined for 48 points as Southern Illinois led throughout the second half to grab its fifth straight win, an 83-73 victory over Southeast Missouri State on Saturday night.

Lloyd scored 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting and Cook added 23, draining 5 of 7 from long range and going 8 of 8 from the line. Kavion Pippen contributed 18 points, hitting 9 of 11 from the floor.

Southern Illinois (7-3) took an early lead, fell behind briefly, and retook the lead to go ahead 35-33 at the break. Pippen slammed home a dunk and followed with a jump shot to start the second half as the Salukis rolled to a 61-48 lead midway of the second period after Lloyd nailed a 3-pointer. The Redhawks rallied in the final minutes but could not close the gap.

Ledarrius Brewer had 17 points for Southeast Missouri State (5-5). Skyler Hogan added 14 points.

Southern Illinois was 18 of 22 from the free-throw line while the Redhawks made just 5 of 10.