Carbondale Holiday Tournmant Highlights

McCluer North, featuring SIU commits Torres Roundtree and Anthony Booker, took on Gateway Tech in the championship game of the Carbondale Holiday Tournament.

McCluer won the game 69-60 but Gateway Tech's Jesse Perry had an outstanding game and put up 23 points in the loss.

Foul trouble plagued Roundtree and Booker so they had limited playing time in the first half. Both players still made an impact on the game, Roundtree scored 10 points with 5 rebounds and Booker added 11 points and 7 boards.

Booker seemed to make the biggest impact of any player in the game. Gateway was able to make huge runs when Booker was on the bench but McCluer was in control when Booker was back on the floor.

Below are some video highlights of the game. First you'll see Anthony Booker highlights beginning with a nice baseline jumper.

Next you'll see a Jesse Perry dunk then the Torres Roundtree highlights. Enjoy.

Salukis Kick Off Valley Play With Win

SIU put five players in double figures on their way to a 79-71 win over Missouri State. Getting to 79 points was impressive considering it was mostly a half court game. The Dawgs worked for high percentage shots and went 47% from the field and 54% from 3 point land.

Things are coming together for the Salukis just in time for the start of conference play. The Salukis are playing good hard basketball right now and things are starting to click on offense.

Joshua Bone is a big reason for the Salukis' resurgence. Bone followed up his career high 19 point performance on Friday with 17 points on Sunday. It was an efficient 17 point game for Bone, he went 7 of 10 from the floor including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. A long time salukihoops.com favorite, Bone IS the shooter that many said this team was lacking.

Bryan Mullins had a nice bounce back game on Sunday. After missing some clutch free throws against Butler, Mullins hit 9 of 11 free throws and his performance from the line in the game's final minutes launched SIU to a 1-0 record in MVC play.

Tony Boyle, Wesley Clemmons, and Randal Falker also went for double figures in this game going a combined 13 of 16 from the foul line. Boyle has impressive shooting touch for a big man and he was a perfect 5 of 5 from the line.

Randal Falker continues his quest to shoot 70% from the stripe with a 5 of 7 performance that puts him at a much improved 67% for the season.

Now the Salukis hit the road for their next two games, heading to Drake on Wednesday (Mediacom) and to Illinois State next Saturday (WSIU). Both Drake (8-1, RPI 20) and Illinois State (8-3, RPI 61) are much improved from last season. Southern is yet to win a true road game this season so these next two games will be an important test for the Salukis. Stay Tuned.

Salukis beaten at the foul line, not at the buzzer

Technically speaking, the Salukis lost at the buzzer but really this game was lost at the foul stripe.

Butler hit 21 of 30 foul shots while SIU made only 3 of 12 at the stripe. It's hard to beat a top 20 team when you're outscored by 18 at the foul line. If the Salukis hit just half of their foul shots the game would have been in hand and the buzzer beater by A.J. Graves would have been a footnote in the SIU victory.

Despite the free throw discrepancy SIU still had a great chance to win. Joshua Bone hit 5 of 7 shots from three point range and finished with 19 points. Bone's clutch shooting was a huge bright spot for the Salukis.

Even though the Salukis lost the game they were able to dictate the tempo for most of the contest. Southern played hard and they won the battle of the boards, pulling down 12 more rebounds than the Bulldogs in a losing effort.

Coach Chris Lowery noted in the post game that he thinks the program is "on the right track" but acknowledged his team has to do a better job of finishing things off. The Salukis will have to figure it out soon, Valley play starts on Sunday and even though the Dawgs are under .500 a conference championship is still within reach.

Arena Magic

Merry Christmas Saluki fans! After 10 games this season there is a big enough sample size to examine some statistics. Let’s start with the frequently discussed statistic of shooting percentage.

The Salukis have compiled some great wins at SIU Arena over the last 6+ seasons. All teams are more comfortable at home but the Salukis have used their "Arena Magic" to go 82-4 at home since 2001. This season has been no exception; the Salukis have shot the ball much better at home than on the road…

The Dawgs have shot 46% (98-213) at home, going 3-1.

On a neutral court the Salukis have shot 40.4% (57-141), finishing 2-1 in Anaheim.

Road games are where the Salukis have struggled so far shooting 32.7% (53-162), en route to a 0-3 record.

Another stat that I decided to take a look at was personal fouls. The Salukis play a rugged style of defense that lends itself to committing a foul or two.

Tony Boyle has averaged a foul every 7 minutes, an improvement over last year when he committed a foul every 5.33 minutes. In contrast, Matt Shaw has done an excellent job of staying out of foul trouble- only averaging a foul every 13.6 minutes.

Coming into this season I said that when Shaw and Falker combine for 30 points, the Salukis would have the key ingredient for success. So far the Dawgs are 3-1 when the senior duo hits the 30 point mark.

Congratulations to Randal Falker who is now the all-time blocked shot leader at SIU. Falker recorded his 165th career blocked shot on Saturday, passing Joe C. Meriweather for the top spot on the career blocked shot list.

Falker also scored his 1000th career point against Western Kentucky on Saturday. Falker joins teammate Matt Shaw in the 1000 point club, Shaw connected for his 1000th point against Charlotte earlier this month.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Santa was very good to my family and I hope he was good to yours as well. Check out the Gifts for Saluki Basketball over at Dawg Tracker.

It’s a crucial stretch for the Salukis who play two home games in 42 hours this weekend. The competition will be tough but a little Arena Magic could go a long way towards getting this season right back on track.

Salukis Hold Court Against Hilltoppers

Times have been pretty hard of late for the Salukis, but you would never know that by the way they played this afternoon. The Dawgs looked strong from buzzer to buzzer against the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky with an 88-78 victory at the Arena.

Wesley Clemmons and Matt Shaw led the Salukis with 24 apiece, while Randal Falker added 20. Western Kentucky was paced by Courtney Lee who lived up to the hype and tossed in 30 for the boys from Bowling Green.

The early stages of today's contest featured alternating runs. The Salukis scored the first ten points of the game. Then the Hilltoppers countered with a 16-2 run. These middle heavyweights traded shots throughout the first half, but the Salukis headed into the break with a 40-36 advantage.

The second half began with a Salukis mini-run after a Wesley Clemmons three pointer, but the Hilltoppers knotted it up at 53-53 with 13:00 remaining. As the game entered its later stages, you could feel the confidence of the Salukis building and Bryan Mullins effectively sealed the deal with a clutch three pointer around the 3:00 mark. Tyrone Green extended the lead to 10 points with a pair of free throws after a steal and the party was on.

Statistically, the Salukis won the battle of the boards and shot 57% from 3-point range and from the field, while shooting 78% from the line.The offense nearly matched the combined total of its two previous games in half of the time. With three players over 20 points, the sports information department will be scrambling to find a precedent in recent program history.

Realistically, this is the first game all year that the Salukis consistently took shots in rhythm, which was a welcome sight. Shaw and Falker were effective in every aspect of the game, totaling 44 points and 16 rebounds. Also, Wesley Clemmons appears to have shaken off the lingering effects of his ankle injury. He was everywhere today.

Up next... the Butler Bulldogs on the 28th, followed by Missouri State on the 30th.

Salukis limp back to Carbondale after 0-2 road trip

It started off so well... Randal Falker got the ball in the post, drew the defense, then kicked it out to Josh Bone who nailed an open 3.

That play was exactly what the Salukis needed to do to get rolling. Getting Falker touches, hitting the open man, knocking down jump shots... Everything was in place...

8 minutes passed before the Salukis scored again.

Early foul trouble plagued the Salukis and by the time Bryan Mullins hit a jumper to end the SIU drought, Western Michigan had surged to a 12 point advantage.

SIU had a chance to trim the lead to 8 on the final possession of the first half but three point attempts by Matt Shaw and Mullins were both off the mark and the Dawgs went into the locker room down 11.

After his opening trifecta, Bone didn't hit another shot all night (going 1 for 8), but he wasn't the only Saluki to struggle. Southern didn't put a single player in double figures and ended up with 41 total points, their lowest output in the Webber/Painter/Lowery era.

So where do the Salukis stand after their most recent loss?

Even if they win their last two non-conference games they will be 6-5 heading into Valley play. That's not at-large bid material.

Yes, it is early in the season to be talking about the NCAA Tourney but after 9 games the season is more than 25% complete. A quick look at the numbers shows SIU can still get to 20 regular season wins but it might take a 13-5 or 14-4 effort in the Valley to get there. That sort of success in the MVC would take a consistent performance that this team hasn't been able to achieve yet.

While the Dawgs are indeed heading home, the next two teams coming to SIU Arena are no chumps. Western Kentucky (RPI 96) just pushed Tennessee to it's limit and the Butler Bulldogs (RPI 14) are the 16th ranked team in the country.

The Salukis Strength of Schedule remains strong at 25, but in order to be considered a good team you must beat good teams. Southern's RPI has fallen to 106 and they will need more than just a signature win at home vs. St. Mary's (RPI 4).

Away from home the Dawgs are just 2-4 and that neutral site win against Mississippi State (RPI 157) doesn't have the luster many thought it would.

The Valley is much better than people thought and that will provide the Salukis with plenty more opportunities to get some big road wins. Creighton, Drake, Bradley, Missouri St, and Illinois St are all top 100 RPI teams and Northern Iowa (RPI 114) could still get there. Of course those who view the glass half empty could point out that there will be plenty of potential stumbling blocks for the Salukis during conference play.

Now that final exams are over, the Salukis will be able to focus entirely on basketball for the next three weeks, but their play in practice must carry over to game day. This 0-2 road trip has left the Dawgs with little margin for error. The Salukis will have to use some of their "Arena Magic" if they want to get this season back on track.

Bills Storm Past SIU

The St. Louis Billikens rode a late 13-0 run to stall the Salukis 56-51 at Scottrade Center Saturday night. In a game of streaks, the Bills were hottest down the stretch.

SLU jumped to an early 13-8 advantage, but Southern's offense ground into gear and the Dawgs went up 23-16. Undaunted, the Bills energized their half of the crowd by hitting the next eight points, including a shot from the corner for a 24-23 lead at the break.

SIU forged a 48-39 lead with less than five minutes left and looked ready to close out a hard earned road win. The Billiken faithful, however, were in for a treat. Led by Junior guard Kevin Lisch, who tallied 8 of his 20 points in the closing minutes, the Bills roared past the gasping Salukis to cruise off with the victory.

Lisch and backcourt partner Tommy Liddell combined for 36 points, while Matt Shaw(21) , and Randall Falker (12) paced SIU. Josh Bone started the game and was held to 5 points, (including a late, clutch three) and he will need to take a bigger role in the offense for the Salukis to be successful. The Dawgs received zero offensive help off the bench.

Closing out games continues to be a struggle for Southern, now 4-4 on the year. SLU (7-5) racked up their 6th home win in seven outings this season.

With coach Rick Majerus at the helm and a new arena under contruction on campus the SLU program appears to be heading toward a measure of prosperity. It does seem somewhat strange to see A-10 conference membership banners hanging from the rafters at the Scottrade Center.

Perhaps one day the Bills, will return to the Valley. In any event, Southern and SLU are natural rivals. SLU has the alltime edge, at 25-23, including winning 19 of 28 games in St. Louis. Southern holds is 14-6 at home.

SIU Beats St. Mary's on the Glass

Rebounding was the key for SIU in their 15 point victory over St. Mary's. Randal Falker pulled down 12 boards and Matt Shaw grabbed 9 of his own. Together Shaw, Falker, and Tony Boyle out rebounded the entire St. Mary's team.

Bryan Mullins put together an outstanding game, fighting foul trouble to score 24 points and handing out 5 assists.

Give credit to Tyrone Green, he was able to kick in 9 points off the bench, providing a nice boost to a previously struggling offense.

This win was a badly needed NCAA Tournament resume builder for the Salukis. When tournament time comes a win over St. Mary's could help Southern make a case for a top 6 seed.

If SIU can win 3 of their final 4 non-conference games they would head into Valley play at 7-4 with an outstanding RPI. With their strength of schedule 7-4 would have to be considered a successful start to the season.

The Saint Louis Billikens are up next and they have struggled to a 6-5 record in their first 11 games. Head Coach Rick Majerus has admitted it might have been a mistake to schedule so many games early in the season while simultaneously trying to teach his team a new style of play. SIU will be the favorite in this game despite their struggles in the ScottTrade Center.

After SLU the Salukis head to Western Michigan next Tuesday for a matchup with the Broncos who are currently trying to break a 3 game losing streak of their own. Then it's two very difficult home contests against Western Kentucky and #18 Butler. Running the table in these games could get SIU back into the Top 25.

Regardless of what happens over the next two weeks SIU will be battle tested when Missouri State comes to town to start conference play on Dec 30th.

St. Mary's Pregame

Two teams heading in opposite directions will meet in the Arena on Tuesday night. The Salukis have have lost three straight and the St. Mary's Gaels stand undefeated at 7-0. Besides a clean record, the Gaels can also boast of a win over a ranked opponent (Oregon) and a spot in the latest national rankings (24).

The Gaels are led by Patrick Mills, a first year point guard. Through seven games, Mills is averaging 16 ppg, 4.4 apg, and 2.1 spg. Junior Forward Diamon Simpson is just shy of a double-double every night at 13.0 / 9.6. Also, nearly every person on the roster can hit from the outside. Eight players are averaging over 33% from beyond the arc.

For the Salukis... Matt Shaw and Randal Falker will have to show up on the same night. The Clark Kent and Superman routine is wearing thin. Also, if Josh Bone takes 19 shots and misses 15 in back-to-back games, I'll shave my head. I just don't think it's possible for this team to remain cold much longer. Career percentages and plain logic dictate a rebound to form for the Salukis sometime soon. Maybe it will be Tuesday night.

Salukis Stay Cold, Lose Third Straight

It was the same old story for the Salukis on Saturday night - not enough offense. Poor shooting did in the Salukis who fell to 3-3 with their third straight loss.

Charlotte is a good team, but the Salukis wouldn't have been able to beat even a lesser opponent, shooting only 32% from the field. Also frustrating for Saluki fans who watched the game online (don't forget to cancel your subscription) were the frequent outages and the home announcer constantly complaining about the Salukis' fouling, even though the 49ers shot 15 more free throws than the Dawgs.

Randal Falker was held in check by the 49ers. Falker failed to score a single point and fouled out of the game with 2 minutes remaining. I'm not sure if it's possible for SIU to win without any contribution from the big fella.

Matt Shaw answered the bell for SIU scoring 20 points while pulling down 6 boards. Josh Bone attempted to play a bigger role, but his 13 points came on an atrocious 4 of 19 shooting.

Leemire Goldwire got off for the niners, connecting for 24 points and leading Charlotte to 71 total points for the game. Giving up 70+ is not a Floorburn U trademark so the offense is not the only problem for the Dawgs right now.

The Salukis don't have much time to fix their shooting woes. The undefeated St. Mary Gaels come to the SIU Arena Tuesday and they will likely be ranked in the top 25. SIU needs to start building their NCAA Tournament resume and Tuesday's game will be a huge opportunity to get back on track.

You Stay Positive Southern Illinois

What's with all the negativity?

It's true... USC and Indiana have shown the rest of the nation how to expose the weaknesses of this year's Salukis. To spin that positively, the Salukis now understand what they have to change in order to run with the big dogs this season. Heck, they might have even done the Salukis a favor.

It's true... the rest of the non-conference schedule is filled with tournament bound teams and is the toughest in school history. For a team that is adjusting to new roles, what more could you ask for than to be tested every night? Sounds like a string of opportunities to correct a few things and get stronger as a unit, which will equal more wins down the road.

It's true... these teams have seen the tape. They'll be doubling down on Falker, packing the lane, and trying to get the Dawgs into a transition game. What's new about that concept? It sounds like the same game plan that every team already had drawn up before the season. If a couple of pivotal shots had dropped last Saturday, this picture would seem a whole lot brighter.

On to Charlotte... this Saturday at 6:05 CST the Salukis will take the court against a battle tested 49ers line-up, coming off of a big win over Davidson. Here are some keys to the game:

Make the offense come from somebody other than Leemire Goldwire. He's a 5'11" gunner that is averaging 20.4 ppg and taking over 1/4 of the team's shots. Obviously, he's the guy that the Dawgs will have to shut down.

Matt Shaw and Randal Falker have to total 30 points. This really is a standard for every game. Falker is doing his part thus far and Shaw will be seeing more time at the "4" where he is more accustomed to playing. Over the course of the last two seasons, the team is undefeated when Shaw scores 15 and pulls down 6 rebounds.

This team has to believe in itself. I've been seeing a lot of horrendous body-language lately. Time to shake it off. Even with the last two lackluster performances, the defense is still only allowing 57.0 ppg and these guys are still enrolled in classes at Floorburn U. Get to a few 50/50 balls, make a couple of hustle plays, and the swagger will come right back.

Salukis Regroup, Prepare for Charlotte

Coming off of consecutive losses the Salukis continue their grueling non-conference schedule with a trip to Charlotte this week. The 49ers are riding high after a win against Wake Forest and will host Davidson on Wednesday night. Looks like the Niners aren't afraid of a little competition either.

There's not much left to say about the last two losses. Southern didn't hit open shots against Indiana and that's a big reason why they lost... sometimes it's just that simple. The good news is this team has some very talented offensive players and guys like Matt Shaw and Josh Bone will bounce right back.

USC and Indiana are top flight teams so dropping a couple of game to these teams in November won't matter much when the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee makes their picks in March. What is important is how this team responds to adversity and in that regard we will find out a lot about this team on Saturday.

Over at the TheSouthern.com Robert Crow notes the Salukis aren't doing the 'Small Things'.

On the Daily Egyptian's website Sean McGahan writes 'Floorburn U' needs a makeover.

You can sound off on your thoughts about the Charlotte game at SalukiTalk in the Official Charlotte Pregame Thread.

Saturday's game isn't televised locally but for $4.95 you can watch it online. Just remember to cancel your subscription after the game.

Finally, check out the new "Second Nature" commercial featuring Bryan Mullins

Hoosiers Squash Dawgs

The woeful 64-51 drubbing dished out by the Indiana Hoosiers over the SIU Salukis at Carbondale Saturday night was even more gruesome than the 13 point margin of victory might indicate. It wasn't that close. Indiana's multi-talented squad shrugged off the fanatic Saluki defense and defied the roaring capacity crowd to win with assurance.

Southern matched Indiana point for point for the first 15 minutes, but could not make enough of a run to get any daylight. Meanwhile IU's sensational freshman guard Eric Gordon was able to float beyond the reach of the thrashing and gnashing Saluki defenders to net perfect jump shots.

Big time talent D.J. White (6-9, 251) and his coterie of "Bruiser Hoosiers" were on their way to recording a 35-24 game's edge over the Dawgs on the glass. Indiana shot well under pressure throughout the contest, while SIU was glacially cold, going an abysmal 1-14 (.071) from outside the arc. ( Matt Shaw's trey in the closing minutes saved the Dawgs from the aggravation of not making one all evening.)

Down 34-25 with six seconds left in the half, Southern's Bryan Mullins flailed past a crowd of defenders and banked one in from a radical angle. Although he added a free throw, the Salukis went scowling off the court down six. Improvement was not forthcoming the the final 20 minutes.

Indiana continued to shun set offensive plays and thrived on driving and shooting outside. They ganged up on SIU's Randal Falker in the low post and dared the Dawgs to score.

Word of the USC debacle had obviously reached Bloomington.

The sounds of buses at Butler, St. Mary's, Western Kentucky, and elsewhere revving their motors.....destination Carbondale, are being heard in the distance. Coaches with the same game plan clamped on their clipboards are climbing on board. Attention: Chris Lowery.

Indiana had four men in double figures, including Gordon (22), Armon Bassett (12), Jamarcus Ellis (11) and White, (10). White had 12 boards and Ellis 10 . Randal Falker had 12 points for SIU, while Shaw and Mullins added 9. Falker snared 7 rebounds.

Southern goes on the road to tangle with Charlotte next Saturday, Dec. 8

While better days are certainly ahead for the hoopster Dawgs, here's a tip of the cap to Coach Jerry Kill's football squad. Their 34-27 win Saturday afternoon over UMass brings Delaware calling at the Mac next weekend. An SIU win then would vault the Salukis into the division title game at Chattanooga.

THAT'S TONIGHT'S VIEW FROM ROW TWO

Beating Indiana- The Blueprint

The Salukis host the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday in one of the most anticipated games in SIU history. Both teams will be looking to boost their NCAA Tournament resume with a big win over a quality opponent.

In order for the Salukis to win they will need to follow "The Blueprint" to beating Indiana.

Win the transition game- This is crucial. So far in this young season the Hoosiers have been slow at times getting back on defense. Bryan Mullins and Co. must create a few easy baskets off fast breaks.

On the flip side, SIU must slow the Hoosiers down, forcing them to earn their points against the Salukis infamous half court defense.

The Battle of the Bench- With the suspension of guard Jordan Crawford the Hoosiers are limited off the bench. Indiana will count on a bruising forward, 6-6 Senior Mike White, to provide depth. White is a wide load, but the Salukis have plenty of size to counter him.

For SIU, Josh Bone must be a scoring threat. Bone has already shown the ability to light up the scoreboard and against this high octane Indiana squad a big shooting night from Bone may be the difference between a win and a loss.

No word yet on the status of Wesley Clemmons for Saturday, but if he can recover from his ankle sprain it would provide a huge lift for the Dawgs.

Be the first one to 70- Over their last three games (vs Indiana St, Xavier, and Georgia Tech) the Hoosiers have averaged 73 points. Keeping this team in the 60's is a great accomplishment for any defense.

If the Salukis need 70 points to win then they will have to get a big game from Matt Shaw. Shaw must use his size and shooting stroke for the Salukis to keep pace.

Contain Eric Gordon and D.J. White- You'll undoubtedly hear plenty about Indiana's dynamic duo over the next few days, but the Salukis have the resources to slow these players down.

Bryan Mullins and Tyrone Green figure to form some sort of tag team combo against Gordon, trapping him at every turn. And if anyone is capable of defending White in the post, its MVC Defensive Player of the Year- Randal Falker.

Bottom Line- Gordon and White can't be completely shut down, but the Salukis must hold this combo to 40 points or less. In Indiana's only loss of the season vs Xavier, Gordon and White combined for 36.


Getting a win against this Indiana team is no easy task, just ask Georgia Tech who played a solid game against the Hoosiers on Tuesday night but still came up short.

If the Salukis follow "The Blueprint," they will chalk up a big win against #15 Indiana on Saturday.

Trojans knock off Salukis

The USC Trojans might be young, but they used their talent and athleticism to trump the more experienced Salukis. Regardless of age the Trojans were a much better team on this night and they cruised to a 25 point victory.

SIU got off to good start and held a 10-6 advantage when O.J. Mayo and Taj Gibson came off the bench for the Trojans. Mayo made an immediate impact knocking down a jumper as soon as he stepped on the floor. Moments later Tony Boyle gave him an official welcome by ringing his bell on a back court screen.

ESPN no doubt frustrated many Saluki fans when they continued to show Mayo on the bench during live action and then showed a graphic comparing him to Ben Gordon while the game was being played. Mayo lived up to the hype though, scoring 12 points on 5 of 7 shooting, showing off the shooting range that will make him a lottery pick in the NBA draft.

The Dawgs came out strong in the second half and trimmed the USC lead to 7 points with 16:07 remaining but that's as close as they would get. Davon Jefferson took over the game putting up 20 points to lead all scorers.

USC was very well prepared for this game. They took advantage of Carlton Fay off the dribble and left Tyrone Green wide open for jump shots so they could double team Randal Falker. Falker was still a bright spot for the Salukis picking up 17 points and 12 rebounds, and once again showing off improved shooting range.

USC was basically the home team in this tournament but take nothing away from them, they deserved to win. The Salukis never found a rhythm in this one, but there will be better days. The Dawgs will have to bounce back quickly as they prepare to host the Hoosiers on Saturday night.

Salukis Beat Down Mississippi State

In a showdown between SEC and MVC contenders, Mississippi State started with a bang, but they were eventually worked over by the Salukis who strong-armed their way to a 63-49 victory.

Jamont Gordon carried Mississippi State on his back, racking up 20 points, something that rarely happens against SIU. Gordon scored 10 of Mississippi State's last 13 points in the first half, including a big three pointer that gave his team a 26-21 lead with only 3 minutes remaining. The Salukis desperately needed an answer... enter Josh Bone.

Hollywood's writers may be on strike, but that didn't faze Josh Bone who rewrote the script during the last 2 before halftime.

First he took a pass from Randal Falker and knocked down a huge three to tie the game at 26, but he didn't stop there. With 39 seconds remaining Bone gave the Salukis the lead with his second three ball and then topped it off by knocking down another three at the buzzer to give the Salukis momentum and a 32-28 lead at the break.

In the second half Randal Falker took the reins and dominated the Mississippi State front line scoring 13 of the first 15 Saluki points. Falker was quiet early but he fought off double teams, solidified his position in the post, and converted an outstanding 7 of 9 from the floor. Even more impressive, Falker hit 9 of 10 from the free throw line. 90% from the line!!!

Mississippi State pulled within 6 points of the Salukis with 10 minutes to play but Josh Bone came back for his second act and hit a pair of three pointers to put the Salukis up 11.

Want to see some efficient stat lines? Bone and Falker combined to score 38 points on just 15 shots. Bone ended up with 15 points in 16 minutes and Falker led all scorers with 23.

Late in the second half a frustrated Mississippi State player smacked Falker square in the jaw knocking him to the floor. Falker, one of the coolest guys around, got up and smiled. Even though the officials missed the flagrant foul the Salukis had successfully dismantled the Bulldogs.

Not to be overlooked in this game is Bryan Mullins who tallied 8 assists and 6 steals. Mullins played a team high 37 minutes in what was basically a 6 man rotation. The Saluki starters have all logged huge minutes in this tournament. However, SIU will benefit from 9 more hours of rest than their next opponent who will be determined when Miami (OH) and USC tip-off tonight at 11:30 PM Central.

Anaheim Classic - Round 2

Today's opponent is Mississippi State. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the Bulldogs, here's what you need to know.

This was a preseason top 35 team in both of the national polls. An 84-82 loss to Clemson (#22) is the only blemish on their record. The Bulldogs return their leading scorers and rebounders from a team that finished 2006-07, just 3 points away from the NIT finals. During that post-season run, Mississippi State thumped Bradley 101-72.

Jamont Gordon and Charles Rhodes form the SEC's most productive inside-outside combination. Gordon averaged 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game last season, all while running the point. Charles Rhodes tested the waters after last season, but decided not to formally declare for the NBA. He's physical, quick, and capable of putting up a double-double on any given night.

The supporting cast is led by Ben Hansbrough. He looks just like his big brother, but a couple of inches shorter. He's got good touch on the ball and can hit from outside or clean the boards for points down low. Also, Jarvis Varnado is a defensive specialist that had 67 blocks as freshman last season and Barry Stewart averaged just under 10 ppg in his first year of college ball.

Both the Salukis and the Bulldogs won ugly yesterday, but on the other side of the coin, both squads were able to elevate their game when faced with lesser competition. Gametime is 2:00 PM on ESPN 2.

Dawgs Hammer Out a "W"

Television viewers hoping for a display of flashy basketball were doubtlessly deflated, but those appreciative of lock-down defense must have marveled as the Salukis thrashed Chattanooga 63-41 in the opening round of the Anaheim Classic. The win advances the #18 Dawgs to a semifinal collision with Mississippi State on Friday.

Southern may have settled the issue in the first 20 minutes. SIU's suffocating defensive pressure left the Mocs gasping and by halftime the Dawgs were up 28-19. The second 20 minutes saw the Salukis accelerate away. Chattanooga never found a rhythm, distributed turnovers left and right, and managed to shoot just 28.2 % from the field. Two free throws in the waning seconds allowed the Mocs to top the 40 mark.

The Mocs chased Randall Falker around a good deal, but couldn't seem to hem him in. He lit them up for 21. The Dawgs' court general Bryan Mullins also reached double figures with 10, including a pair of clean steals that turned into lay-ups on the opposite end.

Tomorrow's clash with Mississippi State should be a solid challenge for both clubs. Game time is 2 p.m. Central on ESPN 2.

Salukis head to Anaheim

One key to winning the Anaheim Classic will be staying out of foul trouble. SIU had 15 fouls in the first half against Northern Illinois and the Huskies don't have the kind of explosive athletes that SIU will be seeing in Anaheim. Any team that plays the kind of D that the Salukis play is bound to commit some fouls, but allowing opponents easy points at the charity stripe could cost SIU in a close game.

The new starting lineup for the Salukis boasts lots of size and lots of defense. The front line of Falker, Boyle, and Shaw will dominate down low while Tyrone Green and Bryan Mullins pester opposing guards. This lineup will set a strong defensive tone and can force opposing teams out of their comfort zone.

Tyrone Green in particular has shown improvement from last season. Green was a liability on the offensive end last year but looks much more comfortable this season. He has done a good job moving the ball around on offense, and while he is still not a great shooter, he is an outstanding leaper who can get to the basket and dunk or draw fouls in mid-air. Knocking down foul shots will be a key for Green and he hit 3 of 4 on Saturday.

Wesley Clemmons has what Chris Lowery described as a severely sprained ankle. The timetable for his return is unknown so the team could be forced to play without him in Anaheim. Clemmons will likely be the 6th man for this team so his loss would be felt.

The Salukis will play 3 games in 4 days so depth will be an issue. The Salukis can still go 9 deep in Clemmons absence with Josh Bone, Brandon Wood, Christian Cornelius, and Carlton Fay coming off the bench. The Saluki bench players are capable of providing instant offense but those players will still need to improve defensively. In Saturday's post game comments Lowery explained, "You don't get to play just because it's game night" and he will force his bench players to improve defensively in order to earn playing time.

The Salukis have done a great job of getting out in transition. Bryan Mullins tallied a career high 9 assists while leading the Salukis on multiple fast breaks against NIU. Look for the Dawgs to light up the scoreboard in Anaheim if they continue to push the ball in transition.

The Salukis first opponent in Anaheim is the UT-Chattanooga Mocs who come into the game with a 1-1 record. Chattanooga's only loss came on the road against #9 Indiana, in a game that the Mocs actually led at halftime. Gametime is 3pm Central on Thanksgiving and will be televised on ESPNU. Check back at Salukihoops for a live blog and complete coverage of all the action in Anaheim.

Valley Round-Up

The regular season is officially underway and Valley teams have met with mixed results thus far. Overall records are deceiving in the early stages due to the prevalence of games against non-Division I opponents, but the MVC has compiled a 19-9 mark through Monday. Everyone that has been following closely knows that this is a transition year for most of the member schools. Only 24 of 50 starters have returned from a year ago and 5 of the 10 programs replaced head coaches during the offseason. After looking at those figures, some early season lumps are to be expected. With that being said, let's take a look around the league...

Southern Illinois (1-0)
With only one result against a Division I opponent, the Salukis have climbed to #18 (USA-ESPN) and #19 (AP) in the national rankings that were released earlier today. The Dawgs looked great in the home opener against Northern Illinois and appear confident heading into the Anaheim Classic.

Northern Iowa (4-0)
The surprise of the conference thus far with wins over Northern Illinois, Cal Poly Slo, UMass, and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Eric Coleman is averaging a double-double. Jordan Eglesder and Jared Josten are also averaging in double figures.

Illinois State (3-0)
The Redbirds have beaten up on UNC-Wilmington and SEMO. Osiris Eldridge tallied 57 points in those two victories. We'll know a lot more about these guys after they square off with Indiana (#8) on Friday night.

Creighton (2-0)
P'Allen Stinnett scored 23 points in his college debut as Creighton rolled past DePaul. Chad Millard is living up to expectations after transferring from Louisville. Dane Watts is steady and solid. This team should get better every night out. Nebraska is up next on Saturday.

Drake (2-1)
The two wins came against non-Division I opponents and the loss was on the road against St. Mary's. The Bulldogs held an 8 point lead over the Gaels early in the second half.

Bradley (2-1)
Picked to finish #2 in the conference, Bradley got off to a rocky start by losing to Illinois-Chicago, but recovered with wins over Maryland Eastern Shore and Iowa State. Friday night, the Braves match up with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Missouri State (2-1)
Another rough start, beginning with an opening night loss to Toledo, followed by the arrest and subsequent suspension of three players, including starter Chris Cooks, due to charges of felony theft. It was looking pretty grim in Springfield and then the Bears stepped up and beat down UNC-Greensboro by 27. That Greensboro squad was coming off of a road victory over Georgia Tech. Inconceivable. Missouri State faces SLU, Winthrop, and Arkansas in the upcoming week.

Wichita State (2-2)
The Shockers have topped Arkansas Pine Bluff and Illinois-Chicago, but they also came up short against Baylor and Monmouth. A disappointing start, but really just a continuation of last year's slide. P.J. Couisnard is only averaging 5 ppg, while playing 30 mpg.

Indiana State (1-2), Evansville (0-2)
Butler has beaten both of these teams.

Dawgs Chew Up Northern

Southern Illinois sent the NIU Huskies yelping out the door Saturday night, on the short end of an 88-68 scalding at the SIU Arena. From the jump, coach Chris Lowery's Salukis tore into NIU on both ends of the court.

The SIU defense was so searingly effective that the stunned Huskies were held scoreless for the first 9:48 of the contest. In the meantime the Salukis built a 17 point advantage. SIU was sailing along with a 43-21 lead at intermission, and Northern had to can 11 free throws to get that close.

After starting an all-veteran lineup of Falker, Shaw, Boyle, Green, and Mullins, Lowery rotated a total of 11 men, and ten of them scored. Starved for offense from the bench last year, the SIU non-starters racked up 40 points Saturday. Freshman guard Brandon Wood contributed 15, including two treys, logging 27 minutes of court time.

The 22 point SIU lead at the half eased the crowd at SIU Arena, but NIU emerged from the locker room and outscored Southern 47-45 in the last 20 minutes.

With most of the Saluki starters on the bench, the Huskies made some headway with their slash and kickout style. In the final ten minutes they began to overwhelm the SIU reserves- which set off alarm bells on the SIU bench. Lowery scrambled to hustle his regulars out there once again. They didn't have to save the game, but their mission was to demonstrate that defensive intensity must be maintained.

Shaw and Mullins paced Southern's scoring with 16 each, while Northern's Jarvis Nichols led all scorers with 18, including 4 threes. Tony Boyle's 10 rebounds led SIU to a 35-33 edge on the boards.

The 20 point opening night Saluki win was gratifying, but Coach Lowery must have felt like a man driving an eight horse hitch at full gallop over a rocky road. His rambunctious rookies dozed on defense, and the team committed 20 turnovers. With the Anaheim Hoops Classic Tournament just ahead, adjustments will have to be made. SIU faces a very athletic Chattanooga squad in the opening round on Thanksgiving afternoon, with potential match-ups against Mississippi State and USC if the Dawgs keep winning.

Short handed Salukis take on Huskies

The Salukis could be down a couple of guards tonight with Josh Bone and Wesley Clemmons nursing injuries. This might bump Tony Boyle into the starting lineup and give more minutes to Brandon Wood, Carlton Fay, and Christian Cornelius.

NIU is winless in three games so far this year and have given up nearly 90 points a game to their opponents. Northern Iowa beat them 75-45, U Mass scored 102 points against them, and they also lost by 10 to Cal Poly (who?).

Senior guard Ryan Paradise is the only Husky player to average double digits, scoring 15ppg so far this season. Paradise will have problems getting to his average against the Saluki D.

Even though the Huskies are winless they are a D1 opponent and they offer better competition than SIU has seen so far this year. While the Huskies cannot be overlooked the Salukis are a much better team, even if they are shorthanded.

Signed and Sealed

You already know their names and you'll be hearing them for years to come. Dillard, Booker, and Roundtree. The greatest recruiting class in SIU history.

"This is our era" said Lowery, "We're trying to create the best era ever, we're getting kids that want to go to the Final Four".

Lowery's recruiting was top notch but apparently UPS's delivery of Anthony Booker's LOI was not. UPS temporarily lost Booker's LOI yesterday causing some concern for the folks at Lingle Hall.

Booker, who was once considered to be a tag-along to Torres Roundtree, shot up the recruiting ranks this off season and was urged to decommit by one big name coach. Relief came today when the LOI finally arrived in Carbondale.

A former point guard himself, Lowery seemed the most excited when he spoke about Kevin Dillard. "He has a lot of flash, he can do all the 'And1' stuff," Lowery said with a smile, quickly adding that it could get Dillard in trouble if he tries to do it on the court. With the freshman Dillard and the senior Bryan Mullins at the point guard spot next year the Salukis could have one of the top PG combos in the country.

So what can Lowery do for an encore? Saluki Way will only help in the recruiting process. Lowery mentioned a players lounge, a better locker room, and an improved film room as Saluki Way features that will help in landing future recruits. Oh yeah, and winning doesn't hurt either. The Salukis figure to do plenty of that this season.

Eikenberg inks two

Dana Eikenberg landed two big guards guards in 5-11 Olivia Lett and 5-10 Eryn Stepherson.

Olivia Lett is a big time scorer from Pana, Il. Lett was named to the class A all-state team by the Associated Press and excels in the classroom as well. Lett could qualify for a full academic scholarship, very impressive.

Eryn Stepherson is more of defensive threat, and was a member of Edwardsville's 400m relay team that won the state championship last spring.

Eikenberg has done an excellent job turning around the program at SIU and is making progress in recruiting. Eikenberg narrowly missed out on two top notch recruits who instead settled on SLU, and Wisconsin.

Coach Eikenberg is still looking to add two more players to next year's squad and she'll probably go the junior college route to fill the those spots. With a team full of freshmen this year, adding two juniors to next year's roster might not be a bad idea anyway.

Eikenberg is very entertaining to listen to and she seems like she is capable of building great relationships with recruits. Given an open mic and a chance to answer questions about her program Eikenberg was charismatic and funny, exactly the qualities that will attract quality players to an up and coming program.

Signing Day

Coach Lowery will hold a press conference Thursday afternoon to comment on the '08 recruiting class. Check back for all the info on the newest Salukis and later this week we'll preview Saturday night's match-up vs NIU.

Until then, please enjoy these videos of a few high school players that SIU might have some interest in...

Also, you can talk to other Saluki fans about signing day at Salukitalk.com

MVC Tournament to stay in STL

Good news for Saluki fans, the MVC tournament will stay in St. Louis through at least 2011. This deal also includes an option to keep the tournament in STL through 2013.

File this under "if it's not broke don't fix it."

Last year's MVC Tournament was an overwhelming success and this year's tournament should rival those figures even if the conference isn't quite as good as it was last year. As of right now SIU looks like the only at-large caliber team and this could be a one bid league if SIU wins the conference tournament. As long as the MVC Tournament can mirror last season's success each year I doubt you will hear any complaints at the league office.

St. Louis is located in a central location for the conference which helps sell tickets to all of the member schools. Most importantly for the Salukis, Carbondale fans can go from their driveway to Union Station in 2 hours.

Besides, with an awesome nickname like "Arch Madness" how could you change the location?

Share your thoughts on the location of the conference tournament at SalukiTalk.

Exhibition Wrap-up

The Saluki men finished up exhibition play with a 97-51 win over Lincoln Memorial today.

Brandon Wood showed significant improvement from the first exhibition game. Wood had 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in 24 minutes of play. It might be more important to note he only had 2 turnovers in 24 minutes. Wood said he felt more comfortable and showed it with an explosive tip-in dunk.

After the game Lowery said that he was "very pleased" with Christian Cornelius who had 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 22 minutes. Cornelius looked much more comfortable in this game and Lowery stuck with him even when he was tired and was calling for a breather during the first half. Conditioning might be an issue early on but putting faith in Cornelius now could pay big dividends later in the season.

Josh Bone was injured while diving for a ball in practice this week but Lowery said that he probably could have played today.

Carlton Fay was a little off shooting the ball today but shooting won't be a concern for Fay. He did have 3 assists and just 1 turnover and Lowery said that "he could be special on both sides of the ball" citing his ability to take a charge and his willingness to give his body up. The areas for Fay to improve on include close outs and his overall quickness getting to the ball.

Dion Coopwood played tough defense and hit 4 of 5 shooting. Lowery envisions using him in a similar role as he used former walk on Austin Brooks. It is important to have that extra guard if there are additional injuries combined with players in foul trouble. In that case, Coopwood could come in and play a few meaningful minutes.

Tony Boyle scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in his return from a broken hand. Boyle still needs to work on limiting his fouls but he showed that he's healthy and ready for the season to start.

Lincoln Memorial - Preview

-Quick Facts-

Allow me to bring you up to speed... Lincoln Memorial University was founded in 1899 as a living memorial to the 16th President of the United States. The aptly named mascot of this Div. II program is the Railsplitter. The campus in Harrogate, Tennessee sits among the Appalachian Mountains and is quite striking this time of year. In two results, the Railsplitters have fallen to Tennessee (61-124) and Middle Tennessee State (68-93).

-Big Picture-

In the wake of the Gardner-Webb incident, no outcome is absolutely certain prior to the tip, but this is a paid-to-play game and the Salukis should emerge victorious. Game time is 2:05 CST at the Arena. Bring the noise.

-Under the Microscope-

Carlton Fay and Josh Bone confirmed that they are capable of putting points on the board, but they need to prove they are equally capable of keeping the other team from doing the same.

Brandon Wood made some questionable decisions distributing the ball last weekend. Watch to see if he can adjust to the pace of the game and cut down on his turnovers. Like Fay and Bone, improved defense and additional care with the basketball will equal more time on the floor to knock down triples.

Wesley Clemmons and Tyrone Green played key roles off the bench last season. This year they are penciled in as starters. Defense and rebounding are never a problem for these guys. However, they will need to show more consistency and reliability on offense in order to remove the question mark that has been attached here.

Christian Cornelius took a major step forward in his return from knee surgery last week. He and Jordan Armstrong will see minutes on Sunday. Also, Tony Boyle will likely make his season debut.

As for Falker, Shaw, and Mullins... even running at 3/4 speed this trio will be dominant in the final tune-up before seeing Division I competition.

-Bottom Line-

Set the TIVO for the Rams and Bears, throw on something maroon and head to the Arena to check out the 2007-08 Salukis.

Movin' on up

The Salukis haven't played a regular season game yet but on Monday morning SIU will look to move up at least one spot in the top 25 rankings. The Kentucky Wildcats (#20 AP, #22 USA Today/ESPN) will probably drop out of the top 25 after being flat out beaten by Gardner-Webb in Kentucky!


The Salukis will most likely move to #23 in the AP and #22 in the ESPN/USA Today poll.

This game was televised on ESPN U and I was able to watch the upset brew. Gardner-Webb (approx enrollment- 3,900) did an outstanding job of rebounding against a bigger opponent and played without fear throughout the game. When Kentucky pressured their guards on the perimeter Gardner-Webb beat them with back door cuts.

What impressed me the most was the way Gardner-Webb continued to attack the Wildcats when they chipped away at the lead in the second half. Too many teams tighten up in that situation but the Bulldogs of Gardner-Webb played true to their nickname and earned every point of their 16 point win.

This is just one more example of the parity in college basketball. If a team like Gardner-Webb can blow out a ranked team on the road, then it's not too crazy to think the Salukis could knock out a 1 or 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament on their way to the Final Four.

News and Notes

Tyrone Green is showing some improvement from last season but don't expect him to make a huge impact on offense. Green is one of the most athletic players on the squad and he will look to make his mark on defense. Green is an excellent leaper so he'll be a force on the boards, get to the rack, and slam home a few dunks. If he can hit about 70% of his free throws (last season he hit 11 of 24, 46%) he will make a solid overall contribution in his senior season.

With Green and Wesley Clemmons in the starting lineup the Salukis put their best five defenders on the floor to start the game. This is a smart strategy- not only does it set the tone for the game, but it also allows Chris Lowery to bring in some scoring punch off the bench.

Before practice on Tuesday Lowery did say there is an open competition for all five starting spots, but if Clemmons and Green stay healthy and productive I think the upperclassmen will keep their roles.

Joshua Bone looked great on offense during the first exhibition game, even running the point when Bryan Mullins was on the bench. Keep in mind, this is Floorburn U so Bone will have to earn his playing time on the defensive end, and he's not there yet.

Freshman guard Brandon Wood, is still trying to make the transition to college basketball. He needs to improve on defense and protect the basketball to earn playing time. There's no doubt that Wood is a great shooter, but he will need to get a better grasp of things before he's ready to play big minutes.

Speaking of freshmen that need to improve - Carlton Fay is not quite ready for prime time yet either. Sure, his jump shot is impressive, but he'll also need to develop a good low post game to contribute. Fay is not a particularly fast player so it is also crucial for him to get in good defensive position at all times.

Contrary to recent reports, Tony Boyle is still wearing a cast on his right hand. No word yet on exactly when it's coming off. Update 11/7: DawgTracker is reporting that Boyle had the cast removed Wednesday.

We'll be back later this week with a preview of Sunday's final exhibition game vs Lincoln Memorial. And don't forget the Saluki Women tip-off their regular season opener vs. DePaul on Saturday night at the SIU Arena.

Sunday Sports Review on 91.1FM

This morning at 10am(91.1FM) we rolled back the clocks and then talked some Saluki basketball. Click here to listen to the show.

Game Notes

Everything went pretty much as expected for the Salukis today. SIU held King to just 38 points, got a breakout type performance from Josh Bone, and the freshmen combo of Brandon Wood and Carlton Fay made their college debuts.

Bone went 4 of 6 from the field, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, for a total of 13 points in just 18 minutes. He had some problems with cramps but said they were nothing to worry about.

Not only did Bone show the ability to score, he also looked comfortable in the role of backup PG when Bryan Mullins was on the bench. After the game, Bone said that he knows he still needs to improve on defense but he'll be ready to play big minutes.

Matt Shaw had a nice game scoring 13 points in 28 minutes. It was just another day at the office for the senior forward from Centralia.

Fay and Wood made their fair share of freshmen mistakes. Wood had 6 turnovers in 18 minutes, and Lowery acknowledged that Wood needs to improve but he also expressed confidence in his shot. Fay was a step slow on the defensive end at times, but he also showed off his tremendous ability to shoot the basketball.

Christian Cornelius was able to play 8 minutes and collected a rebound, a steal, and an assist. This has to be viewed as a very positive step forward for Christian who missed all of last season due to injury.

The Salukis look like they will be a well balanced team offensively so it's probably time to close out the "how do we replace Tatum and Young" questions. Shaw, Falker, and Mullins will be rock solid and from what Bone showed today he will be ready to score double digits almost every night. As an added bonus the Salukis should also be able to get scoring contributions from the bench this season. However, make no mistake, this team's strength will once again be its defense.

On the Record - Salukihoops Predictions

After a great deal of debate the Salukihoops staff has concluded that the final standings of the MVC will look a little something like this:

1. Southern Illinois
- Admittedly, we drink the kool-aid every day, but this is by far the best team in the conference heading into the season.

2. Bradley
- Ruffin can dish it and Crouch can shoot it. Together, they constitute one of the nation's most talented backcourts.

3. Missouri State
- Right on the heels of Bradley, the Bears have experience and this year... that's enough.

4. Illinois State
- The Redbirds have been mired in the second division of the Valley for years. They return five starters from a year ago and if we had the guts, we would put them 3rd on this list.

5. Wichita State
- An interesting incoming class brings the Shockers to the middle of the pack. Couisnard is talented, but the newcomers will make or break this squad.

6. UNI
- Twelve players on the Panthers with less than one full year of experience at the D-I level. If Coleman gets injured, the bottom could drop out.

7. Creighton
- Dane Watts will get his points, but this year's lineup doesn't have it on paper. Great coach. Great program. But this is a definite gap year.

8. Indiana State
- Four starters back. Lots of potential. They could finish much higher than this.

9. Drake
- Back to back winning seasons are a rarity in Des Moines. They'll need to develop some bigs to free up their outside shooters.

10. Evansville
- By throwing a full spectrum of defenses at the Salukis last year, from experimental to archaic, the Aces pulled off an upset and they can do it again, but they won't make a move up the ladder this year.

Torres Roundtree info

Torres Roundtree continues to gain notoriety as one of the top 200 players in the country.

Roundtree reopened his recruitment over the summer giving Saluki fans some reason for concern. Recently he recommitted to SIU, completing the best '08 recruiting class in the state, (Sorry Bruce) and with 3 players in the top 2oo, it's probably one of the best in the country. Roundtree talks about this and other topics in a recent interview with stlhoopsinsider.com. Below is an excerpt from the interview where he talks about is recruitment and his future at SIU.


Q: Was the short period where you reopened your recruitment a healthy decision for you? Is your verbal to Southern Illinois even stronger today?

A: The decison was healthy to me, but when I look back it was a bad decision. All and all, I'm a Saluki and I hope Saluki Nation is looking forward to having me.

Q: You have shown the ability to play the point guard position effectively. With your size and athleticism, you are also able to play on the wing just as well. What position do you expect to play in college?

A: I expect to be a combo guard, and probably do a lot of dirty work.

I'm sure Roundtree will be doing lots of dirty work (read: playing defense) and developing into an explosive offensive player in the college ranks. ...and yes, Torres, Saluki Nation is certainly looking forward to having you.

Not Yet Familiar List 2007-08

The perennial contenders have reloaded and while the names may not be marquee right now, these newcomers should be ready to contribute right away.

Chris Cooks - Missouri State

Cooks is a 6'4", 210 lb. JUCO transfer that has the size/talent combination to create matchup problems as a 1,2, or 3 and he can really fill a stat sheet. As a sophomore last season, he averaged 14 ppg/7.5 reb/5 asts/3 stls for a team that finished 30-2.

P'Allen Stinnett - Creighton

As the Valley's only incoming 4-star recruit, word is probably already out on Stinnett. Explosive and a bit lanky, at 6'3" this guy's a definite talent. He's coming off of a year at prep school and should be ready to fill the power vacuum in Omaha.

Carlton Fay - Southern Illinois

Making a big jump from small school Illinois to the MVC, but it looks like he has the game to make it on the bigger stage. Capable of scoring inside and outside, at 6'8" Fay should be the exclamation point on the conference's most dangerous front court.

Ramon Clemente - Wichita State

Clemente is one of two players that first-year head coach Gregg Marshall says have already locked up a starting spot. Known for his play on both ends of the floor, this 6'6" JUCO transfer should be a double digit scorer in his first year.


Brandon Sampay - Illinois State

Another JUCO transfer, Sampay is 6'8" and draws attention on the blocks. Sampay will not amaze you, but he should get to double figures most nights and rip down some boards, too.

Worth a mention:

Carlton Reed - UNI - Former Iowa "Mr. Basketball" and transfer from Iowa that has broken his foot twice since August. Should be healthy in six weeks.

News and Notes

Jamaal Tatum was released by the Atlanta Hawks. Tatum has not been completely healthy this Fall and that hurt his chance to make the team. It looks like he'll have to prove himself in the D-League before getting a crack at the NBA.

In other news Randal Falker was named as a candidate for the John Wooden award. The current list of candidates consists of the top 50 players in the Nation and Falker is the lone candidate from the MVC.

The news about Falker being a top 50 player in the country makes me wonder about how much weight should be put into top 150 lists for recruits and player rankings. It's fun to see guys like Anthony Booker and Kevin Dillard on the list of top players headed to SIU, but for every Booker there is a guy like Falker who many of the so called "major" programs passed on and later became a top 50 player in the nation. Falker was never touted as a "four star" recruit but when it's all said and done he will have had a much better career than many of the players that were ranked ahead of him coming out of high school.

Also, give credit to Bruce Weber, Matt Painter, and Chris Lowery for being able to spot talent that others did not see.

Notes from Tuesday's Practice

Tuesday's practice was open to the media and I was able to ask Chris Lowery and Carlton Fay a few questions and take some notes on the Saluki scrimmage.

I asked Lowery if this non-conference schedule was the most difficult that he has ever had as a coach or a player, he said "Definitely, a lot of the teams we're playing have a chance to win their conference." Lowery explained that the tough schedule isn't just about the RPI but it also shows that the team isn't scheduling "gimme games" just to get a win.

Last year, in the early going, opponents had success playing zone defense against the Salukis. When I asked Lowery about prepping for the zone, he responded "The thing we had to figure out last year was how to get Randal the ball and get the other big men in foul trouble. That's something that we really executed well the last few months and it allowed us to get JT and Tony wide open shots from the perimeter."

Carlton Fay described the first week of practice as "very physical and tough" he mentioned "closeouts and moving my feet" as areas that needed improvement. Once shoot around started, Randal Falker pestered Fay as he took his shots but Fay was able to hit time after time from long range. During the practice, Fay was hounded by Lowery to move faster up and down the floor. When the scrimmage began Fay appeared to injure himself on defense. He was able to walk off the floor just fine, but did not immediately return. Below is video of the play when the injury appeared to have happened.

Nick Evans came into the scrimmage (sporting a black eye) after Fay left but did not look ready to compete against the other players. Based on what I saw from him I expect to see him redshirt this season.

Brandon Wood participated in full contact scrimmage today. He previously sat out the Maroon Madness scrimmage while recovering from a shoulder injury.

Tony Boyle (hand) did some layup drills using his left hand and even dunked the ball with his left hand at one point. He was held out of scrimmage but if he can develop his left hand and keep his conditioning he shouldn't really be too far behind once he returns.

Christian Cornelius (knee) participated in the conditioning portion of practice but was held out of scrimmage.

Jordan Armstrong is featured in the first clip below scoring on an assist from Matt Shaw. Armstrong could get a shot this year but it's worth mentioning that he finished last during opening wind sprints. The second clip is the one with Fay (red jersey) limping at the end of the play. It doesn't appear to be too serious.

Looking for a Valley Preview?

There are 13 days remaining until the Salukis take the floor against King in the home opener, which is just enough time to fully digest all of the available preseason coverage. I've been to plenty of sites and bought most of the major magazines, but the Valley preview from USA Today is guaranteed to be on my desk for the next two weeks and beyond. The only thing missing is a full roster with height/weight and I recommend it as a jumping off point.

Anaheim Classic (early) Preview

Turkey and College Basketball are two of my favorite things and I can't think of a better way to combine the two than watching the Salukis play in the Anaheim Classic on Thanksgiving Day. The only disadvantage to a Thanksgiving Day game is having to make arrangements to actually see the game. What if you're at a family member's house for the big meal and they don't have ESPNU? What time is the game? When are the second and third round games going to be played? Who will the Salukis be matched up against? At Salukihoops we're here to help answer those questions (but you're going to have to deal with your in-laws on your own).

According to this press release ESPNU will be televising SIU vs Tennessee-Chattanooga at 3pm Central on Thanksgiving Day. This is an excellent time slot for most Saluki fans. You can enjoy a hearty feast around noon, take a Tryptophan induced nap and still have plenty of time to get yourself in front of a television for the big game.

Chris Lowery and Co. will be able to scout two opponents at once when SIU's first round foe, Tennessee-Chattanooga, plays at Indiana on November 12th. Chattanooga is a team that is willing to play "one and dones" vs major conference opponents. Last season they lost on the road to Kentucky and suffered a 49 point beat down at the hands of the Florida Gators. Chattanooga is returning only two starters from a 15-18 team last season so this is a favorable match up for the Salukis.

If the Salukis are able to win their first round game they will play on Saturday Nov. 23rd at 2pm Central. Their second round opponent will be either Mississippi State or U.C.-Irvine.

Mississippi State is led by 6-8 senior Charles Rhodes. Rhodes has been all-SEC two straight years and contemplated leaving early for the NBA this summer but eventually withdrew from draft consideration. 6-3 Soph. Ben Hansbrough shot 41% from downtown as a freshman, averaging 7 points and 3 assists. Mississippi St is a talented team but the Salukis definitely have the personnel to match up against them just fine.

UC-Irvine, like Tennessee-Chattanooga, is coming off of a sub .500 season and both teams will be underdogs in the first round. However, this IS college basketball and anything is possible so stay tuned.

On the other side of the bracket, teams from USC, San Diego, Miami (Ohio), and South Alabama will square off. Regardless of how the first two games play out the Salukis will play one of those opponents on Sunday. The match up most Saluki fans would like to see would be the Dawgs vs. Tim Floyd, O.J. Mayo, and the USC Trojans in the Championship game. ESPN2 will televise the 3rd place game at 8pm on Sunday night and the Championship game will follow at 10pm Central.

So get your stuffing ready, and then reserve your spot on the couch for Saluki basketball this Thanksgiving... oh yeah, one other thing... make sure you wake up from that nap in time for tip off.

Maroon Madness Coverage

Enjoy the video highlights from Maroon Madness! We'll be back later with more coverage and don't miss the Saluki Hoops preview show on 91.1 FM WDBX Sunday at 10am.

Women's Hoops

This season the introduction for the SIU Women's basketball team has a nice ring to it- "Defending Valley Champs". Not that Dana Eikenberg would dwell on that for even a second. When asked about coming back from the MVC title run she said "We know that the mark is on our back, but my intensity and hunger to make the program the best in the Valley on a consistent basis hasn't changed and I don't expect our players (intensity) to change either"

Coming off of a 21 win season with three returning starters Coach Eikenberg has lined up a non-conference schedule that she describes as "suicide" in November. The Saluki Women will play 4 NCAA Tournament teams and the NAIA National Champions from last season. Included in that stretch is a match up in Champaign against the University of Illinois.

This team has 6 incoming freshmen and Eikenberg sees at least 4 of them contributing right away. Such a large class will be a major part of the future of the program and Eikenberg has posed the question for the newcomers-"Do you want to be the most successful class in the history of the program?" Starting with Harris-Stowe on Nov. 1st they will get a chance to answer that question on the court.

Senior Guard/Forward Jayme Sweere will play a huge role on the team this season. Jayme is the leading returning scorer and coming off of an MVC All-Second team selection in 2007. When asked about her role with the freshman she said "after four years with Dana I have a pretty good feel of her expectations, and I feel like I can give the freshmen good insight into what (Eikenberg) expects from them and what they are capable of."


Expect a deeper rotation this season allowing for increased defensive intensity, which could allow the team to push the ball more in transition. For a team that had problems scoring at times last year, more fastbreak points could make the difference in a few games this year. Basketball fans can count on another exciting season from the Women's team this year as they look for back to back conference titles and an NCAA Tournament bid.

SIU Media Day

As the weather slowly begins to fade from Summer to Fall here in Southern Illinois the 07-08 season has begun to draw near for Saluki basketball. Tuesday afternoon was SIU Media Day and players and coaches were available to answer questions for local media. Below are some quotes and a summary of the interviews.

Want to listen to all the interviews in their entirety? Tune in to the Saluki Hoops Season Preview Show on 91.1 WDBX on Sunday at 10am. We'll have a full preview of both the Men's and Women's basketball teams, interviews with Chris Lowery, Dana Eikenberg, Saluki players, and finally we'll go around the MVC with our preseason picks for the Valley.


Today on Saluki Hoops we'll recap the Men's interviews and later this week we'll check back in with Dana Eikenberg and the Women's team.

Wesley Clemmons seems ready to make the transition from bench player to starter.
When asked about changes in his game for this year he said he "is ready to be more of a scoring threat". Over the offseason Wesley said he "worked on his pull-up jumper, creating space from his defender, taking the ball to the bucket, and finishing around the rim".

When asked about his busy off season Randal Falker described it as "fatiguing" but also believed that all his work over the summer has improved his game. Randal said he worked very hard on his shooting this summer, particularly his free throw shooting. He said his goal is to shoot 75% from the free throw line this season. Falker led the Salukis with 221 free throw attempts last season and made only 54%. If he can bump his percentage into the 70% range that could be a difference maker in close games against good teams this season.

Carlton Fay described the initial transition from single A high school basketball to playing against Shaw and Falker as "mind blowing". He also added that Shaw and Falker have helped him prepare for the season with advice on conditioning. When asked about what made him choose Southern he said wanted to "go somewhere he could win" and being comfortable with the coaching staff and players made it "a real easy choice".

Nick Evans said his goal is to improve in every aspect of the game and contribute in any way that he can. To prepare for the season he said he "basically lived with Coach Kline" working out on the football field every morning, lifting weights, and playing pickup ball.

Coach Lowery answered the obligatory Tatum and Young question by saying "We don't put pressure on people by saying, 'Hey you've got to be the next guy,' but guys know that there are four guards in the lineup with two open positions to start. That's competition enough to get guys to improve their games to be a starter, or to be a role player- whatever role you have to fill".

This year's team will have more size at the guard spot so I asked Coach Lowery about the team using that size to create more transition offense. Lowery said that this year they will be "bigger and more physical and that should mean that we can sneak more points in transition and become a better rebounding team".

Maroon Madness

Saluki fans get ready. The long wait to see the Salukis in action will be over when SIU Arena hosts Maroon Madness on Oct 12th at 7pm. These midnight madness type practices are always fun for the fans and this year's event will feature a dunk contest and a 3 point contest before the team scrimmage.

In yet another sign that this program has arrived on a national stage, an ESPN camera crew will be on hand to film part of the practice and broadcast it as part of their college hoops tipoff programming. A few years ago it was a big deal to get a Saluki game on a major network now there are ESPN cameras at pre-season practice... not bad.

In other news, Single Game tickets go on sale October 3rd. Season ticket holders get first crack at seats during the presale but there will be additional tickets available to the general public October 9th. The hottest tickets will be Indiana, Butler, Creighton, and the Bracketbuster matchup. If you're interested in seeing these games in person you should plan on ordering tickets ASAP.

Former Saluki Jamaal Tatum has received interest from the Atlanta Hawks but they appear to be covered at the guard spot with Acie Law, Salim Stoudamire, Tyronn Lue, and Speedy Claxton. It would probably take an injury to one of these players for JT to make the team or perhaps the Hawks could decide to keep him over a veteran guy like Anthony Johnson. For right now I'll stick to my prediction from back in April... JT will outwork his opponents like he always does but at this level he will have to prove himself by being successful in the NBA developmental league first. Then if an NBA team has a need for a backup PG at sometime during the 07-08 season JT could end up getting the call.

Troy Hudson has wrapped up an interesting summer by signing with the Golden State Warriors. Hudson will assume the backup PG role behind the spectacular but often injured Baron Davis. Coach Don Nelsons fun and gun offensive style should be a nice fit for Hudson. The Warriors look like a playoff team and if Hudson performs well he could add a couple years to his career in the NBA.

UPDATE: Torres Roundtree has announced that he will be attending SIU next year. Back in July we mentioned that Roundtree would likely take a few campus tours and then decide that SIU was the place to be, and he did just that. The '08 recruiting class is already one of the best in the Country and Lowery might not be done yet... Finally, we'll leave you with some Torres Roundtree highlights.

An eye towards November

This year will be the most exciting Saluki season ever. Not only is the team soaring, but the level of competition is nearly mountaintop level. Media attention alone will guarantee a mad scramble for seats in the Arena. Picture Vitale pontificating and waving his hands. Digger Phelps growling and leering out the side of his head. Makes a guy wanna rent that 200 dollar a day Dawg-head at the costume shop and toss a sleeping bag on the ground outside the building... in August.

It's like throwing a tidy little bash at your place and A-list celebs start showing up. Indiana? Er..uh..we beat 'em before at our place, and we're supposed to act like this is routine stuff. Heck, I'm not that jaded. This ought to be wild.

Meanwhile, with rock star names on the guest list, let's hope the Salukis are hurling those iron plates around daily. The same for the fans, the better to elbow other intense ticket-seekers outta the way at that tiny little ticket booth. The pavement there is sure to be a battleground. (woof-kidding).

Even now, with the humid haze of late summer hulking over Carbondale, Chris Lowery is planted in a big leather chair, scowling over a notepad... with X's boxing out O's in a mental rehearsal for the critical Creighton game...or is it Wichita...or ?

I can see it "like a vision" Ten thousand SIU fans lurching for the Arena exits, with their chins stained with crusted nacho cheese.. voices oddly gravelly from spasmodic screaming.., jabbering, "Man did you SEE that?"

You'll be there, right?

Saluki Way Funding Approved

The Carbondale city council voted 4-3 in favor of donating $20 Million over the next 20 years to fund Saluki Way.

Approximately $60 Million of the $80 Million needed is now accounted for. A project that once looked like a pipe dream now appears to be a reality.

This is great news for SIU as well as Saluki Basketball. SIU Arena is badly in need of updates and Saluki Way will provide funding to remodel the Arena. These renovations will help in recruiting and make the fan's experience a more pleasant one. Now the Salukis will have a facility that is appropriate for a top 25 basketball program.

Also included in Saluki Way is a new football stadium, increased parking, and state of the art academic facilities.

Here is the "Concept Design" for Saluki Way.

2008 Saluki Recruits

There has been lots of talk about the 2008 Saluki recruiting class recently so let's take a look at what Chris Lowery has lined up for '08.

Justin Bocot- Bocot is an elite scorer who averaged 20 points a game his senior year in Bloomington. He had some difficulties in the classroom but was able to achieve an acceptable score on his ACT and is enrolled at SIU this year. Bocot has not been granted eligibility to play for the Salukis in 2007 but as long as everything goes well in the classroom he will step right into the guard rotation in 2008.


Anthony Booker- Booker has been tearing it up this summer and was recently named the #29 recruit in the Nation by scout.com. He is probably the highest ranked recruit in SIU history. Even with his recent accomplishments Booker has firmly stated he is not interested in going anywhere but SIU. I was able to watch Booker at SIU Arena this summer and he looks very polished. He has good footwork, a strong defensive presence, and a nice looking jump shot. Booker will be a superstar in the Valley.

Kevin Dillard- Also a top 150 recruit, Dillard is a true Point Guard who will get a chance to play one season with Brian Mullins before he takes the leading role as a sophomore in '09. Not only does Dillard have great handle, he can also stroke the three ball, making him a big time weapon for the Salukis.

Those three players alone would make a stellar recruiting class for any Valley team. Landing at least two top 150 recuits is nice for SIU especally considering the Illini have landed exactly zero players off that list... but the Salukis are not done yet. Chris Lowery is looking to bring in at least one and probably two more recruits for 2008. Lets take a look at some of these potential Salukis.

Torres Roundtree- Saluki fans- welcome to the world of big time recruiting. Torres Roundtree had originally given a verbal commitment to Chris Lowery and has now pulled back from that commitment. Dave Telep of scout.com estimates that 15 to 20 percent of the top 300 '08 recruits have "decommited" (Mike DeCourcy of the Sporting News notes that this is not a real word).

My opinion on Roundtree is well documented on this site. He is going to be an outstanding college player and could have easily been on the top 150 list. When it's all said and done Roundtree could be considered as a four star recruit. He is currently making his rounds at USC and Missouri but I think there is a good chance that he will still end up at SIU. Saluki fans should not lose any sleep over his decision because of the great class that is already lined up for '08 combined with the fact that Lowery is in contact with the other talented recruits listed below.



Kyle Kuric- A 6-5 shooting guard who can get his shot off over anybody, Kuric shot 48% from the arc last year. Lowery has an offer on the table but Kuric could be waiting to see if he will receive an offer from Indiana, Duke, or Louisville who have all shown interest. Kuric would be a great get for the Salukis. Update:Kuric has an offer from Michigan as well.

Scott Suggs- A 6-6 four star guard, plays AAU ball for the St. Louis Eagles. Suggs is getting looks from Illinois and Missouri as well. Update: Suggs has given a verbal to Lorenzo Romar and will join Carbondale native Justin Dentmon at Washington.

Josh Crittle- A 6-8 center from Chicago, Crittle has a long list of schools looking at him so SIU can't be considered a favorite for his services at this point. However, the big man does play AAU ball with Kevin Dillard so there might be a connection there for Chris Lowery.

This is the time of year when its great to know that your program has a guy like Lowery out there working to land the best available talent. Lowery is a master on the recruiting trail and the future is bright for Saluki hoops. If Lowery can get any two of these recruits to team with Dillard, Bocot, Booker this is the class that could lead SIU to the final four.

If you've heard any new recruiting info feel free to email me- salukihoops @ gmail.com or head over to Salukitalk to interact with other Saluki fans on the net.

More Troy Hudson

UPDATE: 8/5 The Clevland Cavs are now looking at signing Hudson to help bring Daniel Gibson along.

The Celtics have signed Eddie House to fill one of the backup guard positions. House is basically a shooting guard so its still possible the at the Celts could sign Troy Hudson as the backup PG.

It's hard to see how a gunner like Eddie House fits into the Celtics line up. The folks at Dime Magazine agree; and note that the Celts still don't have a PG over age 21 on their roster.

Hopefully Troy will have more success on the court than he had with his Rap Album that was released last month and sold just 78 copies in its first week. Thats not a typo... 78 copies... wow.

Casually Obsessed debates "Whos the better rapper, K-Fed or Troy Hudson?"

And as always you can sound off on this and all other Saluki related topics at www.salukitalk.com

Troy Hudson to the Celtics?

Kevin Garnett has landed in Boston and his former teammate Troy Hudson could be coming with him. The former Saluki guard Hudson was bought out of his contract with the Wolves and is now a free agent.

Hudson will receive 6 Mil this year and 6.3 Mil next year as part of the buyout agreement. 12.3 Million for nothing? Must be nice.

The Celtics seem like a good fit for Hudson. With Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce in the fold they are looking veteran backup to Rajon Rondo. Eddie House, Charlie Bell, and Brevin Knight are also being considered for the vacancy. If Hudson signs with Boston and returns to form the Celtics could be well on their way to an Eastern Conference title.

Roundtree De-Commits

Torres Roundtree has decided to re-open his recruitment and is no longer verbally committed to SIU.

Roundtree is headed out to California and will visit USC this week.

This is not great news for the Salukis. However, Roundtree and Lowery still have a good relationship and it is still possible that Roundtree will still sign with SIU in November. It does appear that McCluer North teammate Anthony Booker, who has been playing great this summer, remains commited to SIU at this time.

Saluki fans can rest assured that Chris Lowery is doing everything possible to bring in Roundtree or a talented replacement. Lowery was in Las Vegas this week along with Coach K and Rick Pitino to watch potental '08 recruit Kyle Kuric.

These recruiting wars can actually be seen as a good thing for the Salukis because they are now getting the caliber of players that "high major" programs desire. My gut instinct tells me that Roundtree will take a few campus tours, listen to some other coaches, and ultimately decide to come to SIU.

Either way Lowery has plenty of available talent at his disposal so you can expect to see some big time recruits on their way to Carbondale.

News and Notes

Troy Hudson is unhappy and he wants out of Minnesota. Hudson averaged 5.9 ppg last season in only 16 minutes a night. He either wants traded or bought out of his contract. So far the Wolves have made an offer of about half of the 19 million left on Hudson's contract. Hudson's agent says the offer is too low and he will make a counter offer this week.

If Hudson is indeed bought out of his contract he will join Jamaal Tatum in the NBA's free agent ranks. The Miami Heat should have some interest in Hudson at the right price.

Randal Falker missed the cut for the Pan Am Games but he wasn't the only talented big man left off the roster; Wisconsin's Brian Butch was left off the team as well. Falker will get another shot to go up against at least one of the players that were chosen when D.J. White and Indiana come to SIU Arena this year.

Congrats to SIU AD Mario Moccia who signed a contract extension that will keep him at SIU through the 2009-10 season. It's good to see SIU reward Chris Lowery, Dana Eikenberg, and Moccia with contracts. With these leaders at the helm, SIU Athletics is in good shape.

Finally, the Salukis will head to Champaign to play the Illini... the Saluki Women's team that is. The women will play opponents from the Big Ten, Big East, and A-10 in their non-conference season.

Favorite place to watch an SIU game?

Sunday Sports Review

In this clip from the Sunday Sports Review (91.1 WDBX) Mark and I discuss the Salukis non-conference schedule, Coach Lowery's press conference, and the development of the returning players.

Five questions with Will Leitch of Deadspin.com

When it comes to sports bloggers Will Leitch is pretty much the best show in town right now. His website deadspin.com offers "Sports news without access, favor, or discretion" and attracts over 1 million visitors each week. Will was the editor of the Daily Illini in college and has since written for The Sporting News and the New York Times. Will has also published two books- Catch and Life as a Loser. His upcoming book God Save the Fan is set for release in January. Today he took some time out of his busy schedule to answer 5 questions for salukihoops.com.


Will, you are a U of I alum and big time Illini fan. Would you like to see U of I play against SIU and do you think it will ever happen?

I would love to see it ... but I wouldn't hold your breath. Illinois really has nothing to gain from that game and everything to lose. Man, I'd be stoked to see that in the tournament sometime though. Unless, of course, the Illini lost.

In your upcoming book God Save the Fan you talk about how the fans of the game are the last people thought about when teams and leagues make decisions. Do you see this as more of a problem in professional sports or has the problem invaded college sports as well?

I think it's more obvious in pro sports, because there's more money involved, but it's definitely true in college sports as well. I do think the real victims in college sports are the athletes, though. But yeah: It's important that fans remember that they are the ones paying for all this, and that they are in charge.

Being from Mattoon, Illinois, have you ever been down to Carbondale or watched a Saluki game at SIU Arena?

I've been to Carbondale several times, though I've never actually made it down for a game. I think a third of my high school went to SIU. It was more of a party school when I was in college, though I think ya'll can probably still hold your own.

Your blog deadspin.com has become a major source of actual "sports news" for millions of readers. Do you think the sports blog world will eventually get more respect from the major media outlets?

Well, eventually it will because all the major media outlets will be doing blogs. But "independent media?" Nope. They'll never respect it. They've never respected alt-weeklys; they will always be scared, in my opinion, of what they cannot control.

From your perspective how has the perception of "Mid-Major" basketball changed in the past few years, specifically that of the Missouri Valley Conference?

It's just a financial term anymore; I would have taken the top four teams in the MVC over the top four teams in the Big Ten last year, without question. And it gives me no joy to say that.

Thanks Will and good luck with your book!