CARBONDALE - Looks like Tony Freeman learned a lot without playing a minute for the Southern Illinois University men's basketball team last season.

The senior, who had to sit out because of NCAA rules after transferring from Iowa, continued a torrid start from the field Tuesday night. The 6-foot-1 guard, who is SIU's only senior, hit 4-of-9 shots from the field in the Salukis' 84-69 victory over Division II Indianapolis. In two starts, Freeman is 7-of-17 from the floor and 6-of-11 from 3-point range.

"We got players, so it's not about trying to do too much," Freeman said. "It's about picking the right spots."

Freeman scored eight of his 11 points in the first half and became one of five Salukis in double figures at SIU Arena. A third-team All-Big Ten selection as a junior with the Hawkeyes, Freeman is a big reason why SIU is shooting 52 percent from the field and 3-point range. Tied with sophomore forward Anthony Booker as the team's second-leading scorer (10.5 points per game), he is one of four Salukis averaging double figures.

"Free is just shooting the ball well right now," SIU coach Chris Lowery said. "I told him he needed to do more than just shoot 3s. His game is more complete than just being a specialist as a shooter, so we're still trying to learn each other."

SIU plays its first road game of the season Saturday night in Las Vegas. The Salukis take on UNLV in the Mountain West-Missouri Valley Conference Challenge at 9:05 p.m. in the Thomas &Mack Center.

todd.hefferman@thesouthern.com

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