CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Southern Illinois women’s basketball team (9-14, 6-8 in Missouri Valley Conference play) closes out a three-game homestand on Thursday night, welcoming the University of Northern Iowa Panthers (12-12, 8-6 MVC) to the Banterra Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT, and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+, offering fans a chance to watch the Salukis in action as they seem to finish strong before hitting the road again. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of the MVC, with implications for seeding in the upcoming conference tournament.
The Salukis are coming off a hard-fought 56-53 loss to Bradley on Sunday, a game where they demonstrated resilience despite ultimately falling short. Southern Illinois’ defense proved particularly strong, holding the Braves to just 35.6% shooting from the field and a mere 15% from beyond the arc. However, a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter proved insurmountable. Leading the charge for SIU was Alayna Kraus, who poured in 18 points, while Indya Green recorded a dominant double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. The team will need to replicate that defensive intensity and offensive production against a UNI squad that has shown both promise and vulnerability this season.
Kraus Earns MVC Recognition
Adding to the team’s momentum, Alayna Kraus was recently named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week for the week of February 16. This recognition comes on the heels of a stellar week where Kraus showcased her scoring prowess, first with a career-high 30 points in an 86-60 victory over Illinois State on February 13, and then following it up with another game-high 18 points against Bradley on February 15. Kraus’s consistent performance has quickly made her a key contributor for the Salukis, providing a much-needed offensive spark.
A Challenging Matchup Against UNI
Historically, the series between Southern Illinois and UNI has favored the Panthers, who hold a 50-35 advantage all-time. UNI has too won the last six meetings between the two programs. The earlier contest this season, played on January 4 at UNI, resulted in a decisive 91-64 victory for the Panthers, marking Southern Illinois’ largest loss in conference play this year. However, the Salukis did manage a 64-60 win over UNI in Carbondale in 2022, offering a glimmer of hope that they can defend their home court this Thursday.
The Panthers enter the game with a 12-12 overall record and an 8-6 mark in the MVC. While they recently secured a 91-79 win against Indiana State, UNI had previously suffered back-to-back losses to Belmont and Bradley, indicating a degree of inconsistency. They’ve won just two of their last six games overall. This recent fluctuation in form suggests that the Salukis have an opportunity to capitalize on any potential vulnerabilities in the UNI lineup.
How to Follow the Action
For fans unable to attend the game in person, several options are available to follow the action. Live stats can be found at http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=651993, providing real-time updates on scoring, rebounds, and other key statistics. The game will also be broadcast live on ESPN+, requiring a subscription to view. Fans can tune in to The Varsity Network for an audio broadcast of the game at https://thevarsitynetwork.com/audioapplink/source/oas-1187/content/siuni:allaccess-Live-1407.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale, established in 1869, continues to provide opportunities for student-athletes to excel both on and off the court. As noted on the university’s website, SIU boasts a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and offers over 200 majors, minors, and specializations. The university’s commitment to research is also evident, with $69 million in external grants awarded last year, according to Southern Illinois University’s official website.
Following Thursday’s contest, the Salukis will be back on the road, continuing their pursuit of a strong finish in the Missouri Valley Conference. The team’s performance against UNI will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping their trajectory as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress by following @SIU_WBasketball on Twitter and Instagram, and by visiting the Saluki Athletics Facebook page.
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