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.
