Justin Bocot News

GAME NOTES: The Salukis of Southern Illinois gun for their fourth straight win today as they contend with the San Francisco Dons as part of the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic at South Point Arena.

For 36 minutes of yesterday afternoon's Holiday Hoops Classic contest here against Southern Illinois, the USD men's basketball team looked as cohesive and capable as it had in any game this season.

Carlton Fay hit two free throws with 2.5 seconds left, capping an improbable 13-point rally in the closing minutes Saturday as Southern Illinois beat San Diego 70-68 at the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic.

The Salukis made the most of their first home game in two weeks, which will also be their last for another two weeks.

Sophomore guard Kevin Dillard stops to catch his breath in Thursdaya s practice.

The Salukis are hoping what happens in Vegas will not stay in Vegas. The men's basketball team will travel out to Las Vegas for its first road game of the season as it looks to bring a victory over University of Nevada-Las Vegas back to Carbondale.

Southern Illinois came out shooting again Tuesday and scorched the nets at SIU Arena as they defeated Indianapolis 84-69. The Salukis scored the game's opening basket and never trailed, and outpaced the Division II Greyhounds by shooting 55 percent from the field and going 11-for-19 from 3-point range.

Sophomore guard Kevin Dillard drives to the basket during the game against Indianapolis University Tuesday at SIU Arena.

The Salukis are ready to hit the court again, and this time the games count. The men's basketball team, fresh off its 2-0 exhibition season, will open up the regular season against the University of Tennessee-Martin at 7 p.m. Saturday at SIU Arena.

Saluki men's basketball head coach Chris Lowery and women's basketball head coach Missy Tiber discussed the prospects for their teams during Media Day at Stadium Grille.

Senior guard Tony Freeman handles the ball during the 82-55 win over Henderson State Saturday at SIU Arena.

It was but 31 months ago the Southern Illinois Salukis were flying high as one of the premier mid-major programs in the country and one of the winningest this decade in all of college basketball.

Southern Illinois isn't used to coming out of nowhere in the Valley. The Salukis have been a conference heavyweight for most of the decade.

FINAL RECORD: 13-18, 7-11, tied for 5th in MVC. WHAT WENT RIGHT: SIU found some youngsters who can play.

From left, Justin Bocot, Anthony Booker and Ryan Hare wait to enter the game during SIUa s Nov.