Tony Freeman News

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.

Tre'Von Willis scored a career-high 25 points to lead UNLV over Southern Illinois 78-69 in the Mountain West Conference-Missouri Valley Conference Challenge on Saturday night.

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.

Iowa City, Ia. - Questions and concerns are circling the Iowa basketball team, and they have little to do with the team's poor shooting start.

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 men's basketball head coach Chris Lowery fielded questions from the media as the team prepares for Saturday's season opener versus UT-Martin. What are you hoping to improve upon the most for the season opener? Obviously, rebounding.

Carlton Fay came off the bench to score a game-high 18 points and Kevin Dillard added 14 to lead Southern Illinois to a 91-63 victory against Tennessee-Martin on Saturday night.

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.

The Southern Illinois men's basketball team will attempt to get the season off to a good start when they host the University of Tennessee-Martin on Saturday at SIU Arena.

There would seem to be an inherent risk in bringing a transfer student into a basketball program knowing he can play for just one season.

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.

Freshman center Gene Teague jumps for the ball during a Oct. 31 exhibition game against Henderson State 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.

Freeman, Kelly are all-conference selections in Missouri Valley Conference. By JOHN BOHNENKAMP jbohnenkamp@thehawkeye.com ST.

After a year in the weight room, the Salukis are looking for a strong start to the basketball season.

Returning all five starters and nine of 10 players, Northern Iowa is overwhelming choice to win the Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball title in 2009-10. The league announced the results of its coaches, media and sports information directors poll Tuesday.

SIU point guard Kevin Dillard attempts to block a layup by University of Massachussetts guard Chris Lowe during the Salukisa 80-73 home win Nov.