Balanced attack leads SIU to 65-56 victory

SIU can beat you with defense but they also have a lot of weapons on offense and it showed in the game today. The salukis put four starters in double figures (Falker, Shaw, Tatum, and Mullins). Falker led the way with 17 points down low, including 5-6 from the free throw line earning him salukihoops player of the game honors. Falker’s free throw shooting has greatly improved from last season when he shot 55% from the stripe.

Shaw continues to stroke 3’s hitting 3 of 4 and letting his defender know about it, prompting his second technical foul of his college career. Tatum was quiet early but busted some big shots when it mattered and Brian Mullins must read this blog because he did a great job taking the ball to the hoop today.

Falker got in foul trouble early and was sent to the bench prompting a Jamaal Foster sighting. Foster did a very adequate job in his 6 minutes of play. He defended SLU big man Ian Vouyoukas, hit two free throws, and registered an assist. Good for him.

Tommie Liddell and Kevin Lisch both scored 14 points but combined to go 3-9 from the free throw stripe hurting SLU’s chances of making a second half comeback.

SIU (6-1) endured one first half run from SLU (5-2) and bounced back to take a 6 point lead into the locker room. Early second half baskets by Falker and Mullins stretched the lead to 10 and SIU never looked back in route to a 65-56 victory.

Random Notes-

• Tony Young has not played well lately and it’s begun to cost him minutes. Young started the game but only played 15 minutes and registered 4 personal fouls.

• Even with the loss today SLU still leads SIU 24-23 in the all-time series that started in 1920.

• SIU has held 14 straight opponents under 65 points dating back to last season

• Opponents are averaging just 49 points per game against SIU this season

• With the win today SIU improves to 69-3 at home since 2001