FROM OVER THE CURVE OF THE EARTH

Southern stared down the St. Mary's Gaels 66-61 Saturday in Moraga, CA.
St. Marys remained close throughout , trailing just 32-26 at half. Then they seized a 42-41 lead with 10 min. remaining. The Dawgs, however, proved worthy of their pedigree, and racked up the win with stellar play in the waning minutes. Randal Falker exploded for 23 points plus 11 boards and was backed by Jamaal Tatum's 17 and 4. Wesley Clemmons got 25 min. of court time and made Coach Lowery beam with pride. Clemmons burned for 11 points , including 3 threes. He also picked up 5 rebounds. Tony Young and Bryan Mullins scurried about, collecting 3 steals apiece.

Two sohomores did sterling work for the Gaels, who dropped to 6 and 8 on the year. Wayne Hunter had 17 and Diamon Simpson, 13. Steady 6-5 senior Brett Collins connected for 10. St. Mary's was not able to establish the race pace offense they prefer, and the game ran according to form for Southern. The Dawgs were averaging 62 points to 58 for their opponens. Computer wizard Jeff Sagarin had SIU by 6. SIU split the difference to prevail by 5.

All this was gleaned by Greydawg who was glumly limited to terse computerized reports like "SIU 55 St. Mary's 51 - 3:28 2nd." Somewhere over the curve of the Earth great things were being done? Yes(!) and apparently by Randal Falker, in particular. Until the schedule makers send the Dawgs trotting off to Hawaii, this might be the most remote locale in which they toil. As for now they are doubtlessly somewhere high over Colorado listening to their music or enjoying a winning Dawg's " Victory Snooze". Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season to them, and to you, Saluki hoops fans, everywhere. Southern faces Illinois State on Friday the 29th. I am going out to get some spumoni ice cream. See ya later.........