against UMass can't be measured with numbers.Sure, you can look at the statistics and see that Mullins had 16 points and 13 assists, but it was his relentless pressure on defense and leadership under fire that led the Salukis to victory.
The UMass offense relies on driving to the basket to make things happen. The Minutemen took advantage of slow defensive rotations by the Salukis to "skip" the ball out and get open 3's in the first half, resulting in an 11 point lead at the break, but Bryan refused to let his team lose.
Mullins fingerprint was on everything Southern did during their comeback, stealing the ball, dishing out assists, and draining clutch 3's to bring the Salukis back from the dead.
Evan after all the second half Saluki heroics, Southern trailed by 2 with 3:30 remaining in the game. Mullins then tied the score with a layup, and after a UMass turnover, hit Carlton Fay for an open three to give the Salukis a 70-67 lead that sent the Minutemen into desperation mode. Moments later it was checkmate.
Huge props go to Fay, who's going to be the #1 scorer for the Salukis this year. As great as Fay and Kevin Dillard performed in this game, it would have never been possible without the efforts of Bryan Mullins.
The SIU vs UMass game had the feel of a late season battle, in November. While attendance at SIU Arena didn't top 6k, the fans who were there were going nuts. Now the Salukis get a chance to play a top five program in the nation on a neutral floor, a rare opportunity. Check back all week for more Saluki discussion, an update on Jeremy Felton, and a look ahead to the 2k Sports Championship at Madison Square Garden.
Photo Credit- SIU Sports Information Dept
