Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Men's Basketball Schedule Announced
08/13/2002 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
Aug. 13, 2002
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University men's basketball program announced its2002-03 Schedule on Tuesday. In addition to an 18-game Missouri Valley Conference slate, the Salukis will play nine non-conference games, including return games with seven opponents from last season.
One new opponent this year is Charlotte, of Conference USA. The 49ers, who agreed to a return game at SIU in 2003-04, have been to the NCAA Tournament in five of the last six seasons. Saluki head coach Bruce Weber said he spoke with many schools from big conferences, but only Charlotte would play a return game.
"At first, (Charlotte) said 'no way' about playing a home and home with us," Weber said. "But a month later, they needed a home game this season, and the dates were convenient for both schools. They are a quality opponent, and we're excited about the series."
The other new opponent will not be announced until Feb. 2 when ESPN reveals the pairings for its Feb. 22 "Bracket Buster" tournament. SIU will host either Detroit Mercy, Wis.-Milwaukee, Ball State, Bowling Green State, Fresno State or Hawaii. The Salukis will have to return the game in 2003-04, with the exception of Hawaii.
The Salukis will make frequent appearances on national and regional TV this season. The Jan. 18 game at Creighton will be on ESPN2, and the Feb. 22 Bracket Buster game will be televised either nationally or regionally by ESPN. In addition, SIU will have three conference games on the Valley TV network.
"It's a relief to get the schedule done," Weber said. "The ruling against exempt tournament games put us in a bind, but we're pleased with the way things ultimately worked out."
Weber said the Salukis have tentatively scheduled exhibition games on Nov. 7 and 17.
Season ticket prices for the 2002-03 season are $165 for Lower Bowl Reserved and $100 for Upper Bowl Reserved (Faculty, staff, senior citizens-$90; high school and under-$70).
Single-game tickets are $15 for Lower Bowl and $9 for Upper Bowl (High school and under-$6).
Group tickets (20 or more) are $6 for the Upper Bowl.
Four-game mini-packs will also be available at $50 for the Upper Bowl and $30 for the Lower Bowl. Mini-pack games will be announced at a later date.
