The Salukis are all alone in third place and they will try to run the table in the conference and move into second place. The difference between 2nd and 3rd is significant because the Salukis would be matched up with a "play in" team in the first round if they can move into second. If anyone is wondering about the tie-break system in the MVC you can find more information about it here. Southern's win over Drake would be huge in any tie-break situation.
Southern's next opponent, Northern Iowa, is in dire need of a victory to stay out of the bottom tier of the MVC. UNI is currently tied with Indiana State for 6th place.
The Panthers are 5-6 on the road this season but they don't have any overly impressive wins and are sporting an RPI of 125. Just as the Salukis have had problems in Cedar Falls the Panthers are struggling in Carbondale, the Salukis have won 10 straight meetings at SIU Arena.
These two teams are fairly even on paper, both average about 63 points a game and both give up just a little less than that. Northern Iowa does have an interesting stat- they are #1 in the Valley in defensive rebounds and almost last on the offensive boards.
The key match up in the game will be Randal Falker vs Eric Coleman. It seems like these two big men have been battling since the Rich Herrin days and this could very well be the last head to head battle for the senior big men. If Falker can get the edge against Coleman the Salukis will have a great chance to continue their home court dominance in the Valley.
