VALPARAISO, Ind. (Interstat) — Valparaiso withstood a second-half surge from Southern Illinois to secure a 69-63 men’s basketball victory on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

The Beacons built a 39-20 halftime lead behind a strong start from Justus McNair, who scored 17 points. The Salukis responded after the break, cutting the deficit to two points late, but Valparaiso sealed the game at the free-throw line. Brody Whitaker scored 12 of his 14 points in the final five minutes for the Beacons.

Jalen Haynes led Southern Illinois with 17 points. Valparaiso improved to 10-10 overall, while Southern Illinois fell to 8-12.