Comer’s career game leads Aces to road win at SIU
UE improves to 2-1 in the Valley
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Connecting on eight of his 13 field goal attempts, Tayshawn Comer registered a career-high 26 points to pace the University of Evansville men’s basketball team to a 68-53 road victory over Southern Illinois on Wednesday at the Banterra Center.
It marked Evansville’s first win in Carbondale since December of 202 and saw the Purple Aces improve to 2-1 in Missouri Valley Conference games.
“We talked about being gritty and doing whatever it takes to get better. Since we got back from break, we have had better practices and been playing better as a team,” UE head coach David Ragland said following the victory. “The last two games have shown what we can do as a team and we are excited to be back in front of our fans on Saturday against Indiana State.”
Comer’s effort surpassed his previous high of 23 points, which was set last season playing for Eastern Kentucky. He was 8-of-9 from the line and finished with three steals and a pair of assists. Cam Haffner wrapped up the day with 20 points while tying his career mark with nine boards.
Both teams struggled to find their rhythm in the opening minutes with each squad turning the ball over four times in the opening four minutes of the game. Cam Haffner scored UE’s first five points including three free throws to establish an early 5-2 advantage.
After the Salukis got back within two, Evansville countered with seven in a row to go up 12-4 at the 13:25 mark. Tayshawn Comer’s first triple of the afternoon got things started before Tanner Cuff and Connor Turnbull added field goals. SIU fought back with a 12-4 run to tie the game at 16-16 just past the midway point of the half.
Despite the rally, the Salukis were unable to take the lead as the Purple Aces held strong up 27-24 with 6:37 left in the half. Over the final minutes, UE stretched its lead to double figures as a 15-7 run gave the Aces a 42-31 halftime lead. Comer played a pivotal role in the period, scoring 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting while Haffner had 13 points in the opening period.
SIU opened up the second half with a triple to get back within single digits, but Comer recorded two more free throws on the other end to push the lead back to 10. It would never get closer as UE pulled away to lead by as many as 21 points (61-43) before cruising to the 68-53 triumph.
Evansville’s defense was key to the victory, holding the Salukis to 1-of-17 shooting throughout the middle portion of the second half. Overall, UE’s defense limited SIU to 31.1% shooting overall and 19.4% (6-of-31) from long range. Conversely, the Aces shot 48% from the field.
Kennard Davis Jr. was the leading scorer for SIU, finishing with 19 points and a game-high 10 caroms.
On Saturday, the Aces look to make it three in a row when they welcome Indiana State to the Ford Center for a 1 p.m. game.
-www.GoPurpleAces.com-
