Ron Jones pumped in a career-high 30 points as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville returned to the .500 mark in a 81-78 victory over Saint Joseph's on Thursday night. SIUE (7-7, 3-5 GLVC) had to hold on in the final seconds of the game. The Cougars missed five consecutive free throws in the final 24 seconds of the game. However, some two key rebounds by Tim Bauersachs helped put the contest away for the Cougars. Jones hit six three-pointers against Saint Joseph's (7-8, 3-5 GLVC). His 10-of-17 shooting set the pace for SIUE. Ron Heflin scored 16 for the Cougars while Rob Baumgardner added 12. The Cougars hoped to contain Saint Joseph's center Corey Seegers. He finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds. SIUE returns to the Vadalabene Center for a 3 p.m. matinee game against Wisconsin-Parkside.
              -siue cougars-