CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Kavion Pippen tossed in 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting and Southern Illinois turned back Northern Iowa 58-51 on Saturday night. Aaron Cook and Marcus Bartley scored 14 and 13, respectively, for the Salukis (9-6, 2-0 Missouri Valley Conference), who got just three points from their bench.

Bartley and Pippen both had eight points to help Southern Illinois post a 26-24 lead at halftime. The Panthers (6-9, 1-1) opened the second half on an 8-0 run, capped by Isaiah Brown’s 3-point play, to grab a 32-26 lead with 17:15 to play. SIU regained the lead, but two AJ Green free throws cut the Panthers’ deficit to 50-49 with 1:54 remaining. Pippen hit four free throws as the Salukis closed out the game on an 8-2 run.

Green finished with 16 points and four assists to pace UNI. Trae Berhow pitched in with 11 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double.