Women's Basketball To Face Kentucky
11/24/2002 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 24, 2002
Lexington, Ky. - Coming off just one day of rest, the Southern Illinois University (0-1) women's basketball team returns to action Monday night when it visits SEC foe Kentucky. Tip off is set for 6 p.m., at Memorial Coliseum.
Series History
Kentucky holds a 2-0 series lead over SIU, as both teams meet for the first time since 1986. That year, the Wildcats won by a score of 66-62 (12/4). Prior to that, the Salukis fell victim to a 74-56 loss in 1982. Both games were played in Lexington, Ky.
About the Salukis
Southern Illinois stands at 0-1 on the year following a 69-60 loss to DePaul in its season-opener Saturday. Senior Molly McDowell currently leads the Dawgs in scoring with an average of 15.0 points per game, while junior transfer Dana Pinkston follows close behind with 12.
About the Wildcats
The University of Kentucky opens its 2002-03 campaign Monday night against SIU. Last season, the Wildcats finished 9-20 overall and last in the SEC at 1-13. The Cats, however, return four starters to this year's unit, including 2001-02 Second-Team all-SEC center SeSe Helm (6-4, Jr.). Helm, who was also named to the all-SEC Freshman Team during her rookie season, averaged 17.0 points per game for Kentucky last season.
Salukis Fall to DePaul, 69-60
DePaul University used a 9-0 run in the last 3:11 of the game to post a 69-60 come-from-behind win over Southern Illinois Saturday in both teams' season-opener at SIU Arena. The Blue Demons overcame a 16-point deficit en route to winning their fourth straight over the Salukis. After leading 26-10 with 6:08 left in the first half, the Blue Demons managed to tie the game at 60-60 before Jenni Dant caught fire to score seven of the game's last nine points to put the Salukis away, 69-60. Dant had 18 points on the night.
Shaky Start
SIU turned the ball over 30 times, including 11 in the first 9:28 of the second half against DePaul. Junior guard Dana Pinkston struggled in her Saluki debut at the point committing 10 of the miscues alone.
Similar Seasons
The 2002-03 campaign presents a fresh start for both SIU and Kentucky who seemed to have a little too much in common last season. In 2001-02, both the Salukis (2-16) and Wildcats (1-13) finished last in their respective conferences with no more than two wins. Overall, neither team reached 10 wins as UK went 9-20 and SIU went 6-21. Lastly, both teams suffered through losing streaks of 13 or more games.
Eight is Enough
Southern Illinois has lost eight of its previous nine games on the road. Last winning at Illinois State (64-51), the Salukis will look to get their first road win since Feb. 17, 2002. Additionally, the Dawgs will look to snap a four-game losing streak which dates back to Feb. 23 of last season.
