Ray’Sean Taylor scores 24 as SIUE MBB defeats USI

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Following an OT loss to UT Martin on the road last Saturday, the SIUE Cougars men’s basketball team bounced back with a win against the University of Southern Indiana (USI) Thursday night at the Vadalabene Center.

The Cougars won by a score of 82-76 in a game that was neck-and-neck throughout the second half and featured 11 lead changes overall.

With the win, SIUE improves to 13-7 in overall record and 6-2 in conference play, currently ranked third in the OVC. SIUE has went 6-1 in their last seven games. USI falls to 8-11 overall and 3-6 in conference play.

Four out of the five Cougar starters finished in double figures. Ray'Sean Taylor, the leading scorer in the OVC, added 24 points (9-22 FG, 1-8 3PT, 5-7 FT), 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Known for his gritty defense as much as his offensive prowess, Taylor also had 3 steals. Brian Taylor chipped in 15 of his own (4-8 FG, 1-1 3PT, 6-7 FT).

For USI, guard Damoni Harrison led his team with 15 points (5-10 FG, 3-5 3PT, 2-2 FT), aldo grabbing 8 rebounds and 2 assists.

As a team, the Cougars had 8 more free throw attempts (20-27 FT) than the Screaming Eagles (15-19 FT). SIUE kept their turnovers to a minimum, only comitting 5 overall turnovers, tied for their season-best. USI had 12.

USI was first to score off a jumper from Stephen Olowoniyi, and would go on to have a 9-4 lead after a successful three-pointer by Damoni Harrison. SIUE would briefly take the lead after a layup by Kyle Thomas, but USI would go on a 9-0 run to take a 22-13 lead with 12:16 remaining in the first half.

SIUE was able to bring the USI lead down to under double figures for the remainder of the quarter, powered by Kyle Thomas who provided solid rebounding and free-throw shooting. The Cougars would trim the USI lead to just 2 points after a flashy dunk by Desmond Polk with 1:44 left in the half. USI would go on to lead 43-41 at the half.

To start the second half, USI would bring the lead up to 5 points early, after a three-pointer from Jayland Randall. Throughout the second half, the lead would change hands multiple times, with SIUE taking its then-largest lead of 3 points after back-to-back layups by Ray'Sean Taylor with 4:50 left in the game. USI, however, would regain the lead after some crucial free throws and a layup by Jayland Randall with 1:31 left.

After a missed jumper by USI to take the lead with 27 seconds left, Kyle Thomas would grab the rebound and pass it to Ray'Sean Taylor, who would be fouled and make both free throws to give SIUE a 79-76 lead. USI would miss a three-pointer on the next possession, and Brian Taylor would grab the rebound and make both free throws to seal the win for the Cougars, eventually leading to a final score of 82-76.

SIUE's next game is a crucial one against Morehead State (13-7, 8-1 OVC), currently first in conference play, on Saturday, Jan 25 at 3:00 PM at the Vadalabene Center. Morehead State is currently on a 5-game win streak. USI will face Eastern Illinois (8-11, 3-6 OVC) in Charleston, IL next. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Saturday, Jan 25.

To view the other photos I took at this game, head to my gallery.