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.
