Salukis Flat in Final Game

The SIU men's basketball team failed to show up today...figuratively. They lost to West Virginia by 18 in first round NCAA action.

West Virginia had the hot hand and Southern had no answer. SIU's defense was strong but not stifling. The offense never got going. They shot 42% from the field, but only went to the free throw line twice in the entire game. The Dawgs looked like they had never seen a 1-3-1 defense in their lives. It was pretty sad.

Congrats to West Virginia. When the Saluki defense caused some turnovers early, they never got rattled nor lost their composure. They stuck to their game plan and executed well. They barely shot better than the Salukis, hitting 44% from the field, but made 11 3-pointers. They played well, they hustled, and they were well coached. They made good adjustments. And the scoreboard showed it. Plainly put: they whipped us. Hats off to the Mountaineers. May they go far.

To Chris Lowery, his staff, and the team, congratulations on a good year. This club exceeded everyone's expectations, accomplishing more than expected in a "rebuilding" year. We will be expecting even greater things next year with only 2 non-starting seniors.