For the second day in a row the Salukis stayed close with their opponent until late in the second half when the game got out of hand. UCLA had too much talent and an inexperienced SIU club couldn't stop the bleeding during a 20-2 run that sealed the deal for the Bruins.
This 0-2 outcome in NYC doesn't really hurt the Salukis in the RPI, but it does show the Dawgs have a long way to go to be considered a top 25 caliber team.
Post play will need to improve for the Salukis. Tony Boyle didn't have a good trip and Nick Evans fouled out in just 14 minutes against the Bruins. These two players will have to step up against teams with really good big men.
This team has loads of talent, but the 6 newcomers have to grow up quick. Kevin Dillard had 6 turnovers and only 2 assists. His creativity is impressive, but the Bruins had loads of points off turnovers... so valuing the ball will continue to be a point of emphasis.
On a brighter note Ryan Hare showed some good things in this game and he'll continue to get big playing time (25 mins vs UCLA) as long as he is giving the team a boost the way he did vs the Bruins.
After watching the Duke/Michigan game it's clear that the Salukis would have matched up much better against the Wolverines. Unfortunately the Salukis didn't get a chance to prove it and ended up leaving New York with two lopsided losses. There's no shame in losing to Duke and UCLA especially away from home, but they'll need to shake the hangover quick and get a win at Western Kentucky in order to get their season back on track.
