January 25, 2013

The Shockers built an 18-point lead early in the second half before the Salukis rallied. Freshman guard Rishonda Napier knocked down four three-point baskets in the second half en route to a career-high 23 points. Dyana Pierre put in 15 points and eight rebounds after the break.

A Turner jumper put Wichita State on top 54-39 with 10:27 left in the game but Napier connected on three consecutive treys to bring SIU to within six. A pair of Jessica Diamond free throws put the Shocker ahead by double figures, 58-48, with 6:25 to go but Pierre twice hit jumpers in the paint to cut the lead to six.

Alex Harden scored a bucket in the lane and Turner converted a three-point play with 2:51 to go that gave the Shockers an 11-point advantage and enough breathing room to leave Carbondale with a victory.

Harden and Turner each scored 11 first half points to power Wichita State to a 39-23 lead at halftime. The Shockers shot 51.5% from the field in the first half and forced 13 turnovers while giving it back just four times.

Turner totaled 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting. Harden added 15 with a game-high seven assists.

The win for WSU was the program’s sixth-straight and ninth in the last 10 games. The Shockers have also beaten SIU six consecutive times and are 28-35 lifetime against the Salukis. This was Wichita State’s 10th win in 32 games at Southern Illinois.

The Shockers return to the road Sunday at Evansville. The Purple Aces are 5-1 in the MVC. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. at the Ford Center.