NORMAL - Justin Bocot only heard the cheers Saturday afternoon at Redbird Arena.

A Bloomington High School product that spurned Illinois State for Southern Illinois University, Bocot scored a career-high 14 points for the maroon and white. The Salukis still fell, 70-63, but it wasn't because the 6-foot-4 lefty couldn't save them.

"I had to come out with a lot of energy in front of my hometown," Bocot said. "I didn't want to come back and lose, so, I just came out and did whatever I could to help us win."

Bocot put SIU on his back during one two-minute stretch in the second half.

With his team down 51-34, Bocot hit one of his four field goals from about 12 feet to cut the lead to 15. After Dinma Odiakosa hit a free throw and Wesley Clemmons scored off a drive, Bocot nearly executed a five-point play. Off a fast break, he was intentially fouled from behind by Redbirds guard Lloyd Phillips with 13:47 to play. The sophomore guard drained both free throws, then made a circus play in mid-air to get SIU within 10.

Bocot tried to tip a teammates' pass in mid-air, momentarily fumbled the catch, but recovered in time to get the basketball up and over the trim.

Bocot finished 4-of-5 from the field and 6-of-7 at the free-throw line. He grabbed eight rebounds, three at the offensive end, and had three steals to go with three turnovers in 22 minutes.

"He did a great job. He gave us great energy, and he made plays by himself, too," SIU guard Bryan Mullins said. "He did a good job at the free-throw line, and he was able to get himself going, which was good for us."

Despite Bocot's breakout game, SIU (9-11 overall and 4-5 in the Missouri Valley Conference) stayed in seventh place in the league standings.

Illinois State (16-3, 6-3) stayed tied for second with Bradley (12-8, 6-3), which beat Indiana State at home. Current leader Northern Iowa (13-6, 7-1) plays at Missouri State (9-10, 2-6) tonight. Evansville (12-6, 4-4) and Wichita State (8-11, 2-6) also play today.

Robinson honored: Will Robinson, the first African-American basketball coach at a Division I program, was honored at halftime of Saturday's game with a video montage.

Benton native and Illinois State great Doug Collins was among the honored guests.

Robinson, who coached the Redbirds for five seasons, was 78-51. He went on to scout for the Detroit Pistons for 28 years.

He passed away April 28 last year at the age of 96.

Mullins comes up empty: For the first time since the 2006-07 season, Bryan Mullins finished without an assist Saturday. In 36 minutes, he didn't have any turnovers, either, but SIU's career assists leader came up empty for the first time since hosting Creighton that season.

With four against Missouri State on Wednesday at home, Mullins will hit assist No. 500.

todd.hefferman@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5087