Southern Illinois Salukis

Are part of the Missouri Valley Conference, were established in 1869, and their home arena is the Banterra Center, Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, Illinois.

Intriguing Facts About the Southern Illinois Salukis

Historical Roots: The Salukis’ basketball program dates back to [Inception Year], making it a storied institution within NCAA basketball.
Mascot Lore: The Saluki, an ancient Egyptian hunting dog, symbolizes the team’s agility and endurance.
The Cinderella Story: In [Specific Year], the Salukis made an unexpected and remarkable run in the NCAA tournament, earning them a ‘Cinderella team’ status.
Rivalry and Pride: The team has a longstanding rivalry with [Rival Team], adding an extra layer of excitement to their games.
Alumni Success: Several Salukis have made it to the NBA, showcasing the program’s ability to groom professional-level talent.

The Historical Tapestry of the Southern Illinois Salukis

The Southern Illinois Salukis’ basketball program has evolved significantly since its inception. This section explores the early days of the program, its gradual rise in NCAA basketball, and the key moments that shaped its history.

The Golden Era (Under Coach Rich Herrin in the 1990s)

The 1990s marked a golden era for the Southern Illinois Salukis under the leadership of Coach Rich Herrin. Herrin’s coaching philosophy was grounded in fostering a strong defense and a fast-paced offense, which became the team’s hallmark. Key players from this era included stars like Ashraf Amaya and Chris Carr, who were instrumental in leading the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. The Salukis’ major accomplishments during this period included winning the Missouri Valley Conference title and consistently ranking high in national tournaments.

Legendary Figures in Southern Illinois Salukis History

Walt Frazier: An iconic player who went on to NBA fame.
Rich Herrin: The coach who led the team through its golden era in the 1990s.
Darren Brooks: A two-time MVC Player of the Year, leading the team in the early 2000s.

A Game to Remember

The 2002 NCAA Tournament game against [Opponent Team], where the Salukis secured a thrilling victory to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. This game is etched in the memory of fans for its nail-biting moments and the team’s display of sheer determination and skill.

Team Analysis

The current Salukis team is known for its defensive prowess and efficient scoring. While they have a solid foundation, challenges remain in terms of depth and experience. The team’s strategy this season focuses on leveraging their strong defense to control the game’s pace and create scoring opportunities.

Southern Illinois Salukis 2025 Schedule

Regular Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Week 1	Date: Mon 06/11/2023	Opponent: Kentucky State Thorobreds	Result: W 88-57
Week 1	Date: Fri 10/11/2023	Opponent: Queens University of Charlotte Royals	Result: W 91-68
Week 2	Date: Thu 16/11/2023	Opponent: Chicago St. Cougars	Result: W 71-55
Week 3	Date: Tue 21/11/2023	Opponent: James Madison Dukes	Result: L 76-82
Week 3	Date: Wed 22/11/2023	Opponent: New Mexico St. Aggies	Result: W 81-54
Week 4	Date: Tue 28/11/2023	Opponent: Indiana St. Sycamores	Result: L 48-77
Week 4	Date: Sat 02/12/2023	Opponent: Saint Louis Billikens	Result: W 101-62
Week 5	Date: Tue 05/12/2023	Opponent: Oklahoma State Cowboys	Result: W 70-68
Week 6	Date: Tue 12/12/2023	Opponent: Austin Peay Governors	Result: L 68-70
Week 6	Date: Sat 16/12/2023	Opponent: Wichita St. Shockers	Result: L 68-69
Week 7	Date: Tue 19/12/2023	Opponent: North Dakota State Bison	Result: W 76-63
Week 7	Date: Fri 22/12/2023	Opponent: Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles	Result: W 81-50
Week 8	Date: Sat 30/12/2023	Opponent: Illinois-Chicago Flames	Result: W 62-50
Week 9	Date: Tue 02/01/2024	Opponent: Belmont Bruins	Result: W 73-63
Week 9	Date: Sat 06/01/2024	Opponent: Illinois St. Redbirds	Result: W 71-64
Week 10	Date: Wed 10/01/2024	Opponent: Valparaiso Beacons	Result: W 77-68
Week 10	Date: Sat 13/01/2024	Opponent: Drake Bulldogs	Result: L 58-76
Week 11	Date: Wed 17/01/2024	Opponent: Bradley Braves	Result: L 69-70
Week 11	Date: Sat 20/01/2024	Opponent: Northern Iowa Panthers	Result: L 57-61
Week 12	Date: Wed 24/01/2024	Opponent: Valparaiso Beacons	Result: W 75-69
Week 12	Date: Sat 27/01/2024	Opponent: Murray St. Racers	Result: W 60-58
Week 13	Date: Wed 31/01/2024	Opponent: Missouri St. Bears	Result: L 75-76
Week 13	Date: Sat 03/02/2024	Opponent: Illinois-Chicago Flames	Result: W 74-71
Week 14	Date: Wed 07/02/2024	Opponent: Drake Bulldogs	Result: L 88-92
Week 14	Date: Sat 10/02/2024	Opponent: Illinois St. Redbirds	Result: W 69-66
Week 15	Date: Wed 14/02/2024	Opponent: Belmont Bruins	Result: L 68-82
Week 15	Date: Sat 17/02/2024	Opponent: Indiana St. Sycamores	Result: W 74-69
Week 16	Date: Wed 21/02/2024	Opponent: Murray St. Racers	Result: W 72-68
Week 16	Date: Sun 25/02/2024	Opponent: Evansville Purple Aces	Result: W 65-53
Week 17	Date: Wed 28/02/2024	Opponent: Bradley Braves	Result: L 67-86
Week 17	Date: Sun 03/03/2024	Opponent: Northern Iowa Panthers	Result: L 70-82
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Post Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Conf. Tournament	Date: Thu 07/03/2024	Opponent: Illinois-Chicago Flames	Result: L 82-84

Home of the Southern Illinois Salukis: Banterra Center

The Banterra Center, formerly known as SIU Arena, is the heart and soul of Salukis basketball. Renovated in 2010, this state-of-the-art facility seats over 8,000 fans and is known for its electrifying atmosphere. The arena’s history is rich with memorable games and passionate fan support, making it a feared venue for visiting teams.