Sangamon Sun

Cougars Collect Convincing Win over VMI

SIUE men's basketball won its second consecutive game Saturday, dominating VMI, for a 93-67 win in the JK54 Classic at Longwood.

The 93 points is a season-high for the Cougars, who improved to 3-2. VMI fell to 1-4.

Following an opening three-pointer from Shamar Wright, VMI scored the next 11 to lead by eight at the first media timeout. SIUE began chipping away but trailed 19-16 at the next timeout with 10:41 to play. VMI pushed it 21-16 when the Cougars took control with an 11-0 run. SIUE never looked back, finishing the half on a 30-6 run for a 46-27 advantage at the break.

"After our poor start, we really turned the game," Barone said. "I am proud of our guys for their effort."

SIUE's lead fell below 20 just once in the second half and it ballooned to as many as 30 at one point.

The Cougars shot 56 percent (18-32) from the field in the second half and 52 percent for the game. SIUE connected for a season-best 33 field goals and 13 three-pointers-the most for an SIUE team since Nov. 26, 2020, against LSU.

"The reason that we made shots is because we took the right ones," Barone said.

SIUE forced VMI into 24 turnovers-and scored 30 points as a result. The Cougars finished with 14 steals, the most ever for an SIUE team against a Division I opponent.

"Our team defense and the way they stuck to the scouting report was really good," Barone added. "I appreciate the way our guys respected the scout."

The Cougars also collected a season-high 19 assists while turning the ball over just nine times.

"Our biggest thing is to share the ball," Barone continued. "When we've had success is when we've moved the ball. The first four minutes of the game we missed four or five open guys. We came to the timeout and adjusted accordingly and started trusting one another."

Lamar Wright led all scorers with a career-high 24 points. He was 8 for 13 overall and 4 for 6 from three-point range.  

"He took the right shots," Barone said of Lamar. "His energy is off the charts. I love the fact that he took the right shots and he had seven rebounds as well."

Ray'Sean Taylor scored 19 points and also knocked down four three-pointers.

"Ray started feeling it and that was really nice to see," Barone said. "It was hitting the bottom of the net pretty smoothly."

Shamar Wright dished out a career-high 11 assists while scoring eight points and adding two steals.

"That's big time by Shamar," Barone said.

DeeJuan Pruitt added 17 points and a game-best eight rebounds and Jalen Hodge scored 13 points while connecting on three three-pointers.

SIUE will next face host Longwood. The Lancers also have won both games they've played in the tournament.

"We came here for three (wins), but you take one at a time," Barone said. "Our guys have stepped up to the challenge."

Original source can be found here