PLAYIN' FAST AND LOOSE

The Salukis rolled over rambunctious, but outgunned Central Michigan 74-61 at the Arena Wednesday. The win boosted the Dawgs to 8-2 and elevated their eyebrow- raising home record to 70-3 since 2001. SIU was relaxed and energetic from the outset. 7100 fans out came to howl and Dawgs exhibited a free-wheeling style that gave them every opportunity. CMU responded with physical play, and outrebounded SIU 27-23.The Chippewas even made a number of impressive shots amidst extremely tight pressure. Southern's passing was crisp and decisive. Their ball rotation seemed to constantly beat the zone's recovery, resulting in good looks which have been so hard to find of late.

Matt Shaw gave the delighted throng cause to bellow their throats raw by nailing 4 of 5 threes, slamming, finishing a drive with a finger roll, hitting 7 times from the line and making 25 pts. for the game. Coach Lowery told Mike Reese on the WUEZ post game that Jamaal Tatum played his best game of his career. JT was simply tornadic. He was a blur going by. If you squinted you could make out the number 3 and some braided hair sizzling along, persued in vain by frantic, hulking CMU troops. He tallied 18, including coming from way downcourt to send the crowd into delirium with a "dribble drive" slashing slam .

The Dawgs breezed downcourt in defiance of sporadic CMU efforts to press. The "swimming " and shoving down low could have moved parked cars off a lot, but the Dawgs seemed serenely undisturbed. By halftime the Salukis were up 33-18. Lowery pronounced that 20 minutes excellent. Things got shaky in the second half, although by no means a fiasco. Central Michigan somehow tacked up a commendable 43 points. Props to their leaders: Guard Giordan Watson is first rate. He had 18 and earned them all. Marka Spica added 13 off the bench, and O'Fallon's Chris Kellerman put up 11.

Lowery , with time ticking toward the Conference season, contined to look for points off the bench. Nobody rang up big numbers. Tony Boyle, who had been knocked cold in practice recently, and was still woozy, played tough. Keep an eye on Tyrone Green. He's explosive and can get quick release passes into the post. He needs to finish drives to contribute. Josh Bone, back from injury, was agressive and has promise.

The Dawgs are off to St. Mary's of California. Coach plans a little side trip to check out Alcatraz, too. After the Holidays it's Illinois State at Normal, then back home to collide with the #8 Wichita St. Shockers. That's tonight's VIEW FROM ROW TWO.