Salukis Struggle Against Memphis in 74-58 Loss
In Memphis, the Southern Illinois Salukis faced a tough challenge against the Tigers, losing 74-58. Cold shooting from three-point range was a big hurdle for SIU, as they made just 2 of 15 attempts. This dropped their season average to an unfortunate 22.8%, the lowest in Division I.
Head coach Scott Nagy expressed concern about their shooting, saying, “We got a lot of good looks. With their size, you have to make shots.” Despite these struggles, he remains optimistic about his team’s potential to improve.
Defensively, the Salukis showed promise. They kept the game close early on, trailing by only five points late in the first half. However, Memphis went on a scoring run and built a 13-point lead by halftime. The Tigers’ size and athleticism challenged SIU’s offensive flow, as described by senior guard Davion Sykes: “They made it tough for us today.”
In the second half, the teams battled defensively, but SIU managed only 29 points. Freshman Jalen Haynes stood out with a career-high 10 points off the bench, contributing significantly despite the loss. SIU matched Memphis in rebounds at 40, signaling their effort on the boards, with seven rebounds each from Sykes and the Aligbe brothers.
Historically, the Salukis have shown resilience. They finished a tough five-game road trip with a 1-4 record but secured a win against Delaware. The team will return home for a game against Arkansas-Little Rock at 6 p.m. Saturday.
As the season progresses, it’s clear that SIU’s defense has potential. The coaching staff emphasizes the importance of aggressive play, which can lead to positive outcomes despite offensive struggles. It remains to be seen how the team will adapt and improve as the season continues.
For fans interested in supporting the team, tickets for the upcoming game are available for $10 at Salukis’ official website.
