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SCORE: Southern Indiana 76, Drury 64

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The second-ranked University of Southern Indiana men's basketball team bounced back from its first loss of the season and defeated Drury University, 76-64, Saturday afternoon at the Physical Activities Center. USI rises to 11-1 overall and 3-1 in the GLVC, while Drury falls to 8-5, 2-3 GLVC.

The Screaming Eagles, who led from start-to-finish, jumped out in front early with a 5-0 lead and methodically extended the margin to as many as 11 points twice during the opening half. USI sophomore guard Ben Jones (Robinson, Illinois), who tied a season-high with 11 points in the contest, led the way with nine points during the opening 20 minutes by hitting four-of-four from the field, including a three-point field goal.

In the first 10 minutes of the second half, the Eagles' offense exploded on a 31-8 run to take a commanding 71-40 lead. USI senior guard Brandon Hogg (Edwardsville, Illinois) led the Eagles' offensive surge by scoring 11 of his game-high 17 points during the run.

The 31-point lead would be all that the USI defense would lead need as the Eagles settled for the 76-64 win.

Overall, USI shot 56.4 percent (31-55) in the contest and 60 percent (15-25) during the second half. The Eagles were a blistering 81.8 percent (9-11) from the field in the opening five minutes of the second half and the first half of the 31-8 run.

USI also won the battle of the boards by out rebounding Drury, 36-32. Hogg directed the Eagles' control of the boards with a game-high seven rebounds.

The Eagles, who finished the four-game homestand 3-1, go on the road for the next two games in the GLVC. USI will make its first trip to William Jewell College, located in Liberty, Missouri, Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. contest before concluding the road swing at Rockhurst University January 14 at 3:15 p.m.

The squad returns to the friendly surroundings of the PAC January 16 when Kentucky Wesleyan College makes the trip across the river for a 7:30 p.m. showdown.