CARBONDALE, Ill. (December, 22, 2001) - Southeast Missouri had five players in double figures, but couldn't stop the tremendous play of Southern Illinois' Rolan Roberts as the Indians fell to the Salukis in Carbondale, 92-80.

Southern Illinois led 39-27 at halftime and 63-44 midway through the second half. The Indians narrowed the margin to 80-71 but the Salukis hung on by making foul shots down the stretch.

Juniors Drew DeMond and Demetrius King had 15 points apiece to pace Southeast (1-8). Sophomore Kenny Johnson and freshman Bret Hale each contributed 14 points. DeMond had nine rebounds and junior Tim Scheer had 11 points of his own.

Rolan Roberts had 28 points, 18 rebounds, six blocks and two steals Saturday in leading Southern Illinois (9-2). Jermaine Dearman had 16 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double of his own while Darren Brooks and Marcus Belcher had 16 and 14 points, respectively.

It was the first home game for the Salukis since they upset Indiana on Dec. 1. They played seven of their first 10 games away from home. Dearman's 12 rebounds helped SIU dominate the boards 51-28 and from the field, shooting 52.3 percent to 37.3 percent.

Southeast is off until December 29 when they will play host to Lincoln University of Jefferson City, at the Show Me Center at 1 p.m.

The AP contributed to this story.