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.
