Senior night came one game early for SIU with Tony Young and Jamaal Tatum leading Southern with 15 points each. Tony played with foul trouble tonight but came off the bench in the second half and hit two quick threes at a time when no one else on the squad could buy a bucket.
It was "one of those games" early for SIU who came out firing... and missing. The Sycamores hung tough and actually lead by 2 at the half. Marico Stinson was the shooting star for Indiana State and he was the game's leading scorer dropping 17. The Saluki "D" was fully intact from the opening minute keeping all other Sycamores in single digits. Want more proof that the SIU defense was strong? Check out Indiana State's shooting percentage- 36%.
What stuck out to me as the major separation between these two teams was that SIU can come in with their B game, play hard defense, and win anyway. Indiana State doesn't have that margin for error. It was Senior night for Indiana State and they had some emotions going. Unfortunately for them it did not carry over into the crowd as the gym appeared to be quiet and empty.
The SIU reserve big men did not get going in this contest and you have to wonder if it is going to happen at all this season. Tony Boyle put up a stat line of all zeros except for a "1" in the foul column. He appears to be nursing a sore ankle. Jamaal Foster joined Kobby Acquah on the bench to form a one two punch that could threaten to compete against the big men of John A Logan.
There is no such thing as an ugly win. Clemmons, Bone, and Green continued their solid play of late. This starting five will be rested heading into tournament play so they should be able to handle the load of additional minutes. We've said it before on this site but it's worth repeating- this starting five is as good as any five around. They'll get a chance to prove it yet again on Saturday night as SIU Arena bids farewell to two great Seniors.
