Nick Evans News

Tony Freeman scored 26 points to lead Southern Illinois to an 86-65 win against Southeast Missouri on Wednesday.

Southern Illinois suffered its first defeat of the season Saturday night in Las Vegas, but rest assured this version of the Salukis is a legitimate contender for the Missouri Valley title and has as good a chance as any team of representing the conference in the NCAA Tournament.

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

Kevin Dillard's 16 points led five Southern Illinois players in double figures in an 84-69 victory over Indianapolis on Tuesday night.

Saluki center Nick Evans, jumps for a hook shot in the Saturday 91 a ' 63 home win against Tennessee-Martin. The salukis play Indianapolis today at SIU Arena in their second conference game of the season.

Maybe Chris Lowery was serious when he said his team was going to play a more up-tempo style this season.

It was a happy return to SIU for a familiar face. Former SIU assistant coach Rodney Watson, who has been with the Salukis for 21 years, returned to Carbondale on Saturday as head coach of NCAA Division II Southern Indiana.

The McKendree Bearcats pushed their record to 3-0 with a 65-53 victory Saturday at home against Ohio Dominican University.

Nick Evans tipped in an offensive rebound at the buzzer to lift Southern Illinois to a 71-69 exhibition win over Southern Indiana.

For the 22nd straight season, coach Rodney Watson will be sitting on the bench at the SIU Arena.

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

THE GOOD NEWS: Dillard is a natural scorer who can expertly handle end-of-the-shot-clock situations.

THE GOOD NEWS: Dillard is a natural scorer who can expertly handle end-of-the-shot-clock situations.

Three Salukis are getting a taste this summer of what the rest of the world has to offer.