CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) - Kent Williams scored 23 points as Southern Illinois beat St. Louis 82-72 Tuesday night.

Down 36-34 at the half, Southern Illinois (2-0) got on track as the Salukis shot 13-of-26 from the field in the second half while holding St. Louis (1-1) to 13-of-34 shooting.

Josh Cross had 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Tyrese Buie added 13 to spark the Salukis.

Southern Illinois had more success from the free throw line, converting 27-of-40 while St. Louis was 13-of-28. St. Louis was led by former Prosser prep star Marque Perry with 19 points.