Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Women's Basketball To Host Red-Hot Indiana State
01/24/2003 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 24, 2003
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Series History
The Salukis have lost their last five consecutive games against Indiana State, including four straight at SIU Arena. However, SIU holds a 37-21 series advantage dating back to 1969.
The Coaches
Jim Wiedie is in his second full season as head coach at Indiana State after having served as the team's interim head coach for 22 games during the 2000-01 campaign. Wiedie's career record stands at 32-33 and he is 4-0 all-time against the Salukis. SIU is guided by Lori Opp who is 17-51 in her third season. Opp is 0-4 all-time as head coach against the Sycamores.
Matchup Note
SIU is coming off a 65-56 loss to Illinois State Thursday. The Salukis, who are led by Molly McDowell (12.9 ppg), have lost seven straight games and haven't won in their last five meetings against Indiana State. Additionally, the Dawgs allow opponents to score 72.0 points per game which rank as the most points given up by any team in the Valley this season.
Meanwhile, Indiana State took over sole possession of first place in the MVC following a Bradley win at Wichita State. The Sycamores have been on fire, especially on the road, where they have won four straight league contests. Indiana State has won eight of its last nine games, and is 5-1 against league foes. In addition, the Sycamores sport one of the best players in the Valley with senior guard Kourtney Mennen. Averaging 19.0 points per game, Mennen is shooting a blistering 47 percent (48-of-102) from behind the three-point arc.
Looking for a "W"
Ranking 10th in the Valley at 0-6, SIU is still searching for its first win over a league opponent this season. Currently mired in a seven-game losing streak, the Salukis haven't won a game since Dec. 20.
McDowell Clears 300 Free Throws
Molly McDowell, who knocked down 19 consecutive free throws (all against league opponents) over the last four games, now stands with 304 made in her career. Against Illinois State (1/23), McDowell hit 7-of-7 freebees which added to a 50-of-53 (.943) mark from the line this season. In addition, she ranks second in school history in all-time free throws made behind Char Warring's (1980-84) 326.
Elite Company
Molly McDowell, who has missed just three times at the free throw line this season (50-of-53), currently ranks third in the nation among NCAA Division I women's basketball players with a .943 percentage. She ranks behind Youngstown State's Jen Perugini and La Salle's Jill Marano.
Well-Rounded Indeed
The list goes on and on for Molly McDowell who leads the Salukis in nearly every statistical category this season. As the team's leading scorer with 12.9 points per game, McDowell leads in field goals made (57), three-pointers made (17), free throw percentage (.943), assists (50), blocks (13) and steals (28).
Year to Remember
Although you may not be able to tell judging by wins and losses, senior Molly McDowell has been remarkable through the Salukis' first 14 games this season. McDowell surpassed the 300 mark in both free throws made (304) and assists (302), while clearing the 1,000-point (1,045) plateau in her career. Currently ranking ninth all-time in assists and second in free throws made, McDowell has also posted nine games scoring in double figures, including three in which she registerd 22 or more. In addition, her 35 points against Evansville (1/11) ranks as the most scored by any Valley player this season.
Redbirds Stun Salukis
Illinois State overcame a 14-point deficit to post a 65-56 come-from-behind win over SIU Thursday night in Carbondale. The Salukis, who led 15-1 early in the first half, shot just 7-of-30 (.233) from the field in the game's final 20 minutes, as the Redbird bench combined to outscore the Saluki reserves, 34-5.
Second Half Blues
The struggle to put points on the board continues for SIU, who has made a mere 11 field goals combined in the second half of its last two outings. Shooting 4-of-28 (.143) against Drake (1/18) and 7-of-30 (.233) against Illinois State (1/23), the Salukis have gone nine of their 14 games this season shooting under 30 percent in at least one half.
Heiden Recovers
Ever since Jodi Heiden has become a starter, she had been held to just six points per game after scoring 8.8 off the bench. Thursday night, the junior from Altamont, Ill., recovered to score 10 points on 4-of-11 field goals, including 2-of-3 from three-point range. For Heiden, the double-digit outing marked her first in four games and fifth this season.
Crutcher Missed
Ever since junior center Tiffany Crutcher has been hobbled by a sprained foot, SIU's inside game has taken a hit. The Salukis have been out-rebounded 131-114 in their last three games and were outscored 54-15 inside the paint against Drake (1/18). SIU also came up empty on second chance points (20-0) against Creighton (1/16).
Jaehnke Out
Junior transfer Alissa Jaehnke did not suit up for Thursday's game against Illinois State. Jaehnke, who suffered a knee injury during a team practice earlier in the week, is undergoing further testing and her status is undetermined at this time.
