VALPARAISO, Ind. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant third-quarter surge, the Southern Illinois Salukis overcame a slow start to defeat the Valparaiso Beacons 82-73 in a Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball game Saturday at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

The most important part of the contest was a decisive 33-point third quarter by Southern Illinois, which turned a narrow halftime edge into a commanding lead. The Salukis, who trailed by six after the first quarter and led by just six at the break, erupted after halftime. They opened the third period with a 13-2 run, fueled by interior scoring and transition opportunities, to seize control. Southern Illinois outscored Valparaiso 33-24 in the quarter, stretching their advantage to as many as 18 points and effectively weathering every subsequent push by the Beacons.

Indya Green, a 5-foot-11 sophomore from Springfield, Missouri, was the catalyst for Southern Illinois. She scored a game-high 29 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in 30 minutes, consistently punishing Valparaiso in the paint and at the free-throw line. Her performance marked a significant offensive breakout after scoring 9 and 16 points in her previous two games.

Southern Illinois (8-13, 3-7 MVC) won its second straight game, while Valparaiso (0-24, 0-10) remained winless on the season. The Salukis had defeated the Beacons by 38 points in their previous meeting on Jan. 10.

Valparaiso started strong, leading 17-11 after the first quarter behind early scoring from Allia von Schlegell and Fiona Connolly. The Beacons maintained contact through the second quarter and trailed just 36-30 at halftime. The Salukis’ offensive explosion to start the second half, however, proved insurmountable.

Von Schlegell, a 5-5 guard from Downers Grove, Illinois, matched Green with 29 points for Valparaiso. Connolly, a 5-8 guard from South Burlington, Vermont, added 22 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Milana Nenadic, a 6-3 forward from Kitchener, Canada, posted a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Southern Illinois’s offense, while not efficient from the field at 42.9%, created significant advantages at the free-throw line and on the glass. The Salukis attempted 32 free throws, making 23, and dominated the offensive boards 10-3, leading to 15 second-chance points. Alayna Kraus of Okawville, Illinois, supported Green with 18 points and five assists, while Tkiyah Nelson of St. Louis dished out eight assists.

Valparaiso struggled from three-point range, shooting 7 of 24, and committed 12 turnovers, which Southern Illinois converted into 11 points. The Beacons shot 41.4% overall and 72% from the line.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 275. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Southern Illinois entered with a 62.5% probability to win.

Southern Illinois next hosts Illinois State on Friday. Valparaiso continues its search for a first victory Friday at Murray State.