Ex-WGH standout leads SIU
Vindicator staff/wire report
CARBONDALE, Ill.
Warren G. Harding High School graduate Desmar Jackson scored 25 points to lead Southern Illinois past Fresno State, 57-54, on Wednesday night.
Jackson, a transfer from Wyoming, hit a 3-pointer at the 13 second mark to give Southern Illinois (4-1) the win. Jackson was 3 of 4 from 3-point range and had eight rebounds.
Southern Illinois led 26-21 at halftime.
At 1:23 remaining in the second half, Fresno State was up 1 off a pair of free throws by Kevin Foster. Jackson would make one of two free throws, tying the game at 54.
After a missed jumper by the Bulldogs (3-3) and a timeout by Southern Illinois, Jackson would make his game-winning 3-point shot.
Jeff Early scored 14 and led Southern Illinois with 10 rebounds.
Allen Huddleston scored 12 points and Harris 11 for the Bulldogs. Foster had 10 rebounds.
Jackson was the star player on the Harding team that advanced to the Division I state semifinals in 2008-09. The Raiders fell to eventual state champion Columbus Northland, 73-59.
Northland was led by Jared Sullinger, who later played at Ohio State and is now with the Boston Celtics.