A 10-10 halftime tie turned into an offensive showcase Saturday in Carbondale, as the Southern Illinois Salukis and Kentucky Wildcats combined for 74 second-half points, en route to a 60-34 Saluki win.

Both offenses came out sputtering in the first half, with the Salukis keeping themselves in the game on the strength of a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown from senior running back Isaiah Mack following a UK touchdown that had give the Wildcats a 10-7 lead.

The game turned in the third quarter. Nursing a 7 point lead, the Salukis turned a Wildcat turnover and three-and-out into 14 points on just two plays to take a 31-10 lead.

The 4th quarter, however, was like a 4th of July fireworks show, and both teams traded haymakers to the tune of a combined 50 points. The Salukis had the last laugh, as backup quarterback Ryan Ellis trotted in from 14 yards with 6 second left to play.

Mack finished the game with 153 yards on 20 carries, and 2 rushing touchdowns to go with the kick return. Freshman quarterback Courtney Smart completed 9 of 17 passes for 219 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The Salukis (7-1) will travel to Houston next weekend.