First and foremost the Salukis played that old school 'Floorburn U' style defense tonight. Playing a rugged style on 'D' allowed them to overcome turnovers and win a game in which they didn't play particularly well.
-Props to Dillard and Hare who went for 17 points each. These two players are no longer playing like Freshman.
-Ryan Hare is still going to the hole without fear. He's getting called for a few charges because of his aggressiveness, but that's 100% acceptable.
-Bryan Mullins has to take some heat for not stepping up and shooting the ball more in this game. However, this is one player who always finds a way to contribute. B Mull ran down 8 rebounds in a game where the Salukis had to have production on the boards from their guards. Another example of how Mullins always finds a way to get things done.
-Nick Evans looked awkward, and never got into a rhythm. Boyle and Fay couldn't stay out of foul trouble, and Booker is still showing lingering effects from a knee injury. Overall, it was a night to forget for the SIU post players.
-Does anyone else feel much more confident in Justin Bocot lately? Bocot showed off his hops in the first half, taking the ball to the rim and leaping above a defender to bank in a layup. Then a few possessions later he came flying down the floor and swatted away the basketball, preventing Indiana St. from getting a runout. The coaching staff agrees, saying that Bocot responds well to criticism and works hard in areas of his game that need improvement.
-Illinois State is up next, and it's a game where the Salukis will have an opportunity to re-establish themselves as a force in the MVC. In order to win at Redbird arena the Salukis will need to cut down on turnovers, and get better play from their big men. If the Salukis can get those two things, then their talented guards will lead them to a watershed victory this weekend.
