Southern takes preseason opener

It wasn’t pretty but we got our first look the Salukis. Here are a few quick notes from SIU’s 70-64 win over Quincy and then we’ll be back this weekend with a full recap.

Tony Young teamed up with Matt Shaw and Randle Falker to do most of the damage for the Salukis. SIU played very tentatively against the Quincy zone really had a problem getting into a rhythm in the first half. Eventually the Salukis got what they wanted from the undersized Quincy D.

Note to all teams- if your playing zone you better guard Matt Shaw. Shaw busted the Eagles for two wide open 3-pointers in the first half. Tony Boyle also impressed with a 16 foot jump shot that he probably would have bricked off the backboard last season.

On the defensive side we struggled in man to man and got beat for quite a few open shots throughout the ballgame. Tony Young had four fouls and the entire defense made mental mistakes and put forth a lack luster effort all night long.

Jordan Armstrong made his Saluki debut with a two handed dunk in traffic early in the first half. He looks like a true small forward, something SIU hasn’t had in a few seasons. When we start playing some big lineups in conference play Armstrong has a chance to play some crucial minutes.

The most hilarious moment of the night occurred when 7 foot 1 Kobby Acquah got the call to enter the game late in the second half. Kobby must have been all pumped up from the student section chanting his name because he tried to go straight onto the floor before the official waived him in. Ahh, this crazy game of basketball with its complicated check in rules. When Kobby finally did get into the game he looked like Shawn Bradley on diet pills. At least it was good for a laugh.

Southern pulled out a win, missing some key players which we will blog about tomorrow… check back and we’ll talk more about our 8 man rotation and look ahead to Sundays showdown with Henderson State.