COL BKB: Soun Ill 59, SW MIssouri 58

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Darren Brooks scored 19 points as No. 24 Southern Illinois ran its winning streak to 12 games Saturday with a 59-58 victory over Southwest Missouri State.

In the midst of their longest winning streak since the 1966-67 squad won their final 19 games, the Salukis (20-2) are having a monumental start in Missouri Valley Conference play. Only Larry Bird's 1978-79 Indiana State team and Hersey Hawkins' 1985-86 Bradley squad had better starts in the conference, with each beginning 16-0.

Stetson Brown added 15 points for the Salukis, who have four conference games remaining.

Nathan Bilyeu and Blake Ahearn each scored 12 points for Southwest Missouri (15-10).