Southern's first opponent is Holy Cross, not a nationally known team, but an experienced club that has been dancing 3 times in the last 6 years. As Tom Webber pointed out in the Dawg Tracker there is no such thing as an easy win in the NCAA Tournament. The Salukis have only won 4 NCAA games in school history so being a favorite to win in the first round is quite an accomplishment for this team with an unknown mascot from an unknown town in America's Heartland.
When these two teams get on the court we should see a familiar style of basketball. All signs point to this game having an "MVC feel." Holy Cross likes to play the same kind of low scoring game that SIU does but they might not always do it by design. Each team boasts a conference player of the year (Jammal Tatum and Keith Simmons) and both players will be the key to their team's offense.
Simmons represents a bit of a matchup problem for SIU. He is a 6-5 shooting guard who averages 17 points and 6 boards- leading the team in both categories.
Chris Lowery would be wise to use Tony Young to neutralize Simmons even though the 6 foot Young will be giving up 5 inches in the matchup. It will be crucial for Young to stay out of foul trouble because SIU could be forced to turn to Tyrone Green for this assignment when Young is out of the game.Holy Cross has played some decent teams this year but they have not beaten anyone of note. Holy Cross took it on the chin aginst Duke, Syracuse, Dayton, and George Mason. They are 1-2 playing at neutral sites and 10-6 on the road. These numbers bode well for SIU.
My advice to Saluki fans is.... Enjoy This! We have become spoiled to great basketball in Southern Illinois and it is something our community should be very proud of. Wear your maroon, buy your refreshments, and tune into CBS on Friday night as YOUR Salukis take center stage in the greatest basketball tournament in the world.
Offical Salukihoops prediction SIU over Holy Cross 57-49 setting up a second round rematch with Va Tech. Sound off with other Saluki fans at SalukiTalk and check back right here for a full recap after the game.
