Southern Illinois is gearing up for an important match against High Point this Wednesday in North Carolina. The Salukis will need to bring their best defense to the court, especially since the Panthers are known for their high-scoring tactics.
High Point currently averages a whopping 93.8 points per game, ranking them 10th in the nation. Although they haven’t faced the toughest competition, they play smart basketball, boasting a 1.9 assist-to-turnover ratio. They shoot 37% from beyond the arc and excel in fast breaks, making them a formidable opponent.
Both teams faced UAB earlier in the season, and neither came out on top. SIU lost 81-73 while High Point fell 91-74. However, High Point did secure a win against UIC, which adds to their confidence.
Cam’Ron Fletcher, a standout player for High Point, leads the team with 19.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Originally signed with Kentucky, Fletcher is proving his worth with impressive stats. Other key players include Rob Martin and Terry Anderson, who both average over 12 points per game.
On the flip side, SIU has struggled with 3-point shooting, currently ranking among the lowest in the nation. Their recent match against Arkansas-Little Rock showed promise, as they shot 37.5%, with sophomore Drew Steffe scoring a career-high 21 points.
Leading SIU is Quel’Ron House, averaging 15.5 points per game. Davion Sykes is the only other player in double figures, while several others are close behind. The team has excelled in rebounding this season, pulling down more boards than their opponents.
Last season, High Point defeated SIU 94-81 at home. Looking at the NCAA NET rankings, SIU sits at No. 181, while High Point is much higher at No. 62. This indicates the competitive nature of their match and the stakes involved.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely. Many on social media are buzzing, discussing SIU’s need to improve their shooting and counter High Point’s fast pace. The season is still young, but matchups like these could shape the outlook for both teams.
In summary, as Southern Illinois heads into this matchup, their focus will be on tightening their defense and improving their shot accuracy to compete effectively against a high-octane team like High Point.
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