Ralph Willard, previously the head coach at Western Kentucky, hasn't faced SIU since Rich Herrin's years at the helm in Carbondale. Meanwhile, a lot has changed for the Dawgs and in the MVC. It's a safe bet, however, that the Holy Cross Crusaders' mentor has been doing his homework.
His squad, ranked sixth nationally in defense, (57.4) plays a lot like the Salukis. Look for a high pressure defensive struggle, topping out in the 60's.
Two seniors lead the Patriot League champs. 6-5 forward Keith Simmons (17.3) is a three time league all-star. He's hit for double figures 44 times in a row. An all-league defender, 5-11 guard Torey Thomas adds 13.6 and specializes in steals. Steals. Remember that word. To defeat Holy Cross you must take care of the ball........
Tim Clifford is a mountain in the middle. He's 6-10 and 270 and brings an 11.8 average into play.
HC has a road loss at Duke, and was stalled by Niagara by six on a neutral floor. 6-2 Junior guard Kyle Cruse and 6-8 Soph. Alex Vander Bann round out the starters. Pat Doherty is perhaps the most valuable of the reserves.
So what should we expect? In previous NCAA appearance the Crusaders have given solid performances against the likes of Marquette, Kentucky and Kansas. They will play with passion, pride and considerable skill.
The Dawgs have a bone-bruising personna, and it's real. Every coal miner and dirt farmer in the Land Between the Rivers grins at that kind of effort. In a way it exemplifies the hard working people of Southern Illinois. The team can be beaten, but never disgraced. They'll play the full 40 minutes every night.
Chris Lowery allows no excuses. There no longer is a tremendous divide between regions. Not a lot of snooty nonsense about dusting off those rubes from clear across the country. That's as it should be. Both teams have earned the right to this game. Nothing else is guaranteed. Ten young men take the court. The ball goes up. They settle things from there.
Game time is 9:40 Eastern, 8:40 Central, Friday night.
