This is SIU's (13-2, 2-0) first 2-0 Missouri Valley Conference start since the 2009-10 season.
Senior guard Anthony Beane led SIU in scoring with 32 points, his third game scoring more than 30 points this season. Beane finished 6-10 from behind the 3-point arc.
His six 3-pointers was a career high.
SIU's 13 3-point baskets was the most since 2004 when the Salukis made 14 against UNI.
Beane threw down a dunk with four seconds left in the game to give the Salukis a 75-72 lead.
O'Brien fouled Jesperson, forcing him to shoot two free throws with one second remaining on the clock.