'Small' Jackson Plays Big, SIU Wins, 63-62

              'Small' Jackson Plays Big, SIU Wins, 63-62

By Charles Springer

OWENSBORO. Ky.-SIU's Bobby Jackson convinced Kentucky Wesleyan that big surprises come in small packages Wednesday night as he led his team to a 63-62 win over the Panthers.
Jackson, a six-foot senior, starting only the second game of his varsity career scored 20 points, grabbed five rebounds, and broke up countless plays.
The soft-spoken Jackson was spectacular from the field, making seven of seven attempts, and 6 of 8 from the free throw  line for his total.
But that doesn't tell the whole story. With his team on top 61-60, and Wesleyan playing for one shot, with seven second left, Jackson blocked the attempt, stole the ball and was fouled.
He calmly walked to the free throw line, amidst the hubbub  of   7,000  partisan  Wesleyan fans, and sank two shots to ice the game for SIU 63-60.
The final total came when KWC called a timeout with four seconds left, to plan a three point effort. Dallas Thornton, chosen to make the attempt, was allowed to go unhindered and the final score told the story.
Not to be forgotten is Willie Griffin who sank a free throw with 44 seconds remaining to put the Salukia on top 61-60.
The Salukis trailed at 14-39 at the 13:03 mark. They broke up the panthers' zone with a series of outside shots.
Juarez Rosborough of Southern intercepted a KWC pass and hit Dick Garrett who put his team ahead 47-46 with 10:11 remaining.
Garrett shared scoring honors for SIU, also picking up 20 points,
Wesleyan jumped out to a lead In the early seconds on a 20-footer by Thornton. That
was the last time his team led in the half. At that point, Jackson hit a free throw to put the Saluklis on the scoreboard. On the next trip downcourt stole a pass and pushed through a 15-footer and SIU led 3-2-A preview of things to come.
Wesleyan coach Bob Daniels declared that Jackson was the difference in the game. He was also surprised at Jackson's adoptness from the field as he saw Jackson miss all three shots taken in the Oglethorpe game last Monday night.
Also at courtside was Evansville mentor Arad McCrutchen, who commented that Jackson was turning out to be a real scoring threat.
SlU's coach Jack Hartman was smiling following his team's win over the second- ranked team In the amall college division. He declared "it was obviously the best showing SIU has made all season."
Thornton led both teams in scoring with 23. His team mate George Tinsley accumulated 21.
The win raised Southern's mark to 6-4, Wesleyan's mark fell to 7-3.
Tile Salukis next meet St. Cloud State Saturday night at the Arena.