It was one year ago but it seems like yesterday. I found myself in an empty SIU Arena in the middle of the day watching the Indiana State Sycamores go through their game day walk through. As I watched the coaches give instructions and the players run their sets I remember thinking "These guys dont have a chance tonight". I was wrong.
The Sycamores beat the Salukis that night 63-54. ISU's weapon of choice was the three point shot and they hit 50% from downtown to give the Salukis a RARE home loss.
Wednesday nights game at the Arena reminds me a lot of last years game for two big reasons. 1. The Salukis have to be considered a favorite again this year. They are red-hot and playing at home. 2. ISU will use the same weapon to try to steal this game- the three point shot.
The Sycamores have home wins over Prudue, Creighton, Wichita State and #11 Butler this year. Road games have proven a bit more difficult for ISU. They are a paltry 2-6 on the road this year.
Senior guard Gabe Moore leads the team in scoring with 13.5 a game. 6-8 Sophomore Jay Tunnell averages 10 points and 6 boards a night. Tunnell will probably be the winner of the "who defends Falker contest". If Tunnell needs help on defense Falker has shown he can make you pay for using a double team, so this matchup figures to be key. Also, look for Tony Young, Jamaal Tatum, and Josh Bone to give Indiana St a taste of their own medicine hitting shots from downtown.
Will it be deja-vu all over again for Southern? I think it will be more like the twilight zone for Indiana State with SIU reversing last years final score and winning 63-54.
Credit Saluki Talk for the image at the top. If you want to talk SIU basketball check it out. Also, you can buy a tshirt with that photo on the back. I ordered mine today.
