Today In The Valley (Nov. 21)
Southern Illinois vs. #4 UCLA
4:00 p.m.
Madison Square Garden; New York City
ESPN2
Coach K finally saw firsthand the defense intensity SIU plays with. Like every other Valley coach, player, fan, and cheerleader, he didn't like how they were doing it. Early in the game he was quoted as saying "That's how they want to play all game" after witnessing them "slow down" players driving and cutting in the lane.
SIU brought that defense intensity in the first half, causing 15 turnovers. The tide changed in the second half, but SIU hung tough and was down just 8 points with less than 10 minutes to go in a game that was much closer than the final score indicated (83-58). The referees caught on to what Coach K was saying, whistling SIU for 33 team fouls. The Blue Devils shot 47 free throws on the night. Carlton Fay once again led the Salukis with 17 points and picked up the slack inside after Tony Boyle and Nick Evans fouled out (three others had 4 fouls a piece).
As is typical in preseason tournament play, SIU will have a quick turnaround when they take on another top 10 team this afternoon in UCLA. They get their shot at the Bruins but not in the game they were hoping. Michigan upset Ben Howland’s Bruins in the nightcap yesterday evening in the Garden, 55-52. Both teams are young this year (UCLA lost Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love early to the NBA draft). SIU didn't get the upset last night but may have learned a thing or two that could help them pull off a stunner tonight.
~ Panon
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Illinois State (1-0) vs. Alabama State (0-1)
5:00 p.m.
Moody Coliseum; Dallas, Texas
The Illinois State Redbirds look to continue their 1-0 start Friday in the opening round of the SMU Tip-Off Classic in Dallas. ISU will be in good spirits this week after inking Missouri’s top shot blocker for the 2009-2010 season, and beating a solid opponent in Wright State. With five players contributing double-figure scoring, the Redbirds continue to make this season a team effort and a balanced attack. They will need that balance as they take on the Alabama State Hornets.
The Hornets are coming off a great 2007-2008 season, including winning the SWAC regular season championship (the Jays play SWAC teams Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Mississippi Valley State this season). ASU has two preseason all-SWAC players, including reigning SWAC player of the year Andrew Hayles, and 7-1, 265 lb. senior center Chief Kickingstallionsims, who’s greatest athletic accomplishment was being honored by Sports Illustrated with the best name in sports.
But in the midst of these promising returners and the chance to build on last year’s NIT berth, the Hornets continue to play with heavy hearts. In April, reserve guard Deshean Porchea died after a pick-up game at the university.
This game should feature a great match up of teams picked to finish toward the top of their respectful conferences. Look for ASU to try and take advantage of Chief’s size down low, but don’t expect this bruiser to be the first option for the Hornets. That would be Hayles, who much like Osiris Eldrige for ISU is the key to the offensive fortunes.
~ Dance Cam Guy
4:00 p.m.
Madison Square Garden; New York City
ESPN2
Coach K finally saw firsthand the defense intensity SIU plays with. Like every other Valley coach, player, fan, and cheerleader, he didn't like how they were doing it. Early in the game he was quoted as saying "That's how they want to play all game" after witnessing them "slow down" players driving and cutting in the lane.
SIU brought that defense intensity in the first half, causing 15 turnovers. The tide changed in the second half, but SIU hung tough and was down just 8 points with less than 10 minutes to go in a game that was much closer than the final score indicated (83-58). The referees caught on to what Coach K was saying, whistling SIU for 33 team fouls. The Blue Devils shot 47 free throws on the night. Carlton Fay once again led the Salukis with 17 points and picked up the slack inside after Tony Boyle and Nick Evans fouled out (three others had 4 fouls a piece).
As is typical in preseason tournament play, SIU will have a quick turnaround when they take on another top 10 team this afternoon in UCLA. They get their shot at the Bruins but not in the game they were hoping. Michigan upset Ben Howland’s Bruins in the nightcap yesterday evening in the Garden, 55-52. Both teams are young this year (UCLA lost Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love early to the NBA draft). SIU didn't get the upset last night but may have learned a thing or two that could help them pull off a stunner tonight.
~ Panon
---
Illinois State (1-0) vs. Alabama State (0-1)
5:00 p.m.
Moody Coliseum; Dallas, Texas
The Illinois State Redbirds look to continue their 1-0 start Friday in the opening round of the SMU Tip-Off Classic in Dallas. ISU will be in good spirits this week after inking Missouri’s top shot blocker for the 2009-2010 season, and beating a solid opponent in Wright State. With five players contributing double-figure scoring, the Redbirds continue to make this season a team effort and a balanced attack. They will need that balance as they take on the Alabama State Hornets.
The Hornets are coming off a great 2007-2008 season, including winning the SWAC regular season championship (the Jays play SWAC teams Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Mississippi Valley State this season). ASU has two preseason all-SWAC players, including reigning SWAC player of the year Andrew Hayles, and 7-1, 265 lb. senior center Chief Kickingstallionsims, who’s greatest athletic accomplishment was being honored by Sports Illustrated with the best name in sports.
But in the midst of these promising returners and the chance to build on last year’s NIT berth, the Hornets continue to play with heavy hearts. In April, reserve guard Deshean Porchea died after a pick-up game at the university.
This game should feature a great match up of teams picked to finish toward the top of their respectful conferences. Look for ASU to try and take advantage of Chief’s size down low, but don’t expect this bruiser to be the first option for the Hornets. That would be Hayles, who much like Osiris Eldrige for ISU is the key to the offensive fortunes.
~ Dance Cam Guy
posted by Creighton Otter at 12:01 AM
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