Top-seeded Northern Iowa (22-9, 15-3 MVC) dominated the No. 4 Salukis (20-12, 12-6) in a 67-43 win to advance to Sunday's finals.
The Panthers put the game away in the first half, taking a 41-17 lead into the locker room.
UNI contested nearly every Saluki shot, while SIU allowed wide open layups and 3-pointers. The Panthers shot 58.6 percent from the floor in the first half, including 7-11 behind the 3-point line. The Salukis made 25.8 percent of their first-half shots and went 0-6 beyond the arc.
Panther junior guard Madison Weekly scored a game-high 21 points, 17 of which came in the first half.