The Salukis have an uphill battle on their hands if they want to avoid playing a Thursday night game in the MVC tournament.
Over the last three seasons the #6 seed in the MVC has gone 8-10 once, and 9-9 twice. That means the Salukis will probably have to go 8-7 or 9-6 the rest of the way to stay out of the Valley cellar.
Joining the Salukis at the bottom of the league after 3 games are Missouri State (0-3), Wichita State (0-3), and Indiana State (1-2). Northern Iowa, Drake, and Evansville are all three a notch above at 2-1. The Salukis would have to rise above their current spot and knock off one of the latter three clubs in order to secure a top 6 spot.
Northern Iowa and Drake have already won games at SIU Arena, so they have an early edge on the Dawgs. The Salukis best chance at getting out of the bottom tier will be unseating an improved Evansville club, a task that's not going to be as easy as it was in years past.
In order for the Salukis to have any chance at a top 6 seed, they simply must win road games. They need at least 8 more wins and they have only 7 home games remaining, so picking up a road victory vs the Shockers is a necessity. Let's put it this way- if the Salukis don't win against Wichita State on Wednesday, then SIU fans will need to make Thursday night hotel reservations for Arch Madness.
3 open scholarships for next season
When Joshua Bone left the team earlier this season, the Salukis gained the flexibility of an additional scholarship for '09. Now the number of available scholarships is up to three, and the Salukis have a glaring need for another big man to complement Fay, Booker, and Evans next season.
Earlier this week Lowery said the Salukis are "without a doubt" looking to add a JUCO big man, and have a need to add two big men and a guard. While it's difficult to find a truly skilled "big man" in the JUCO ranks, it's very possible to get a forward who has more skill than size.
If Booker and Evans can combine for 40 minutes a game next season the Salukis will basically be looking for a forward to come in when Carlton Fay needs a rest, so a 6-foot-6 JUCO with some athletic ability would fit the bill. Adding at least one JUCO would also make sense in regard to class balance, as Carlton Fay is the only Sophomore on the team this season.
