Caird's 3-pointer gives Drake 63-61 win over Salukis

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Chris Caird hit a 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds left to lift Drake to a 63-61 victory over Southern Illinois on Wednesday night for the Bulldogs' third consecutive victory.

Jordan Caroline made two free throws with 35 seconds left to put Southern Illinois (9-15, 2-9 Missouri Valley) ahead 61-60 but missed two more with 17 seconds to go before Caird's shot. Anthony Beane missed a final 3-point try for the Salukis.

Caird finished with 12 points, making 4 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc, for Drake (7-16, 4-7). Reed Timmer scored 19 points and Gary Ricks Jr. 12 for the Bulldogs, who made 13 3-pointers, a season best, on 23 attempts.

The Saluikis made 10 of 19 3-point tries with Beane making 6 of 11 from beyond the arc on his way to 22 points. Deion Lavender added 13 points. Southern Illinois has lost four straight.

There were 13 lead changes.