Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Men's Basketball hosts Louisiana Tech Saturday on ESPN2
02/17/2006 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 17, 2006
By Brian Feldt
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Saluki men's basketball team will host Louisiana Tech Saturday at 5 p.m. in a nationally televised eBay BracketBusters game on ESPN2.
Much is at stake for Southern Illinois (18-8), which is trying to build its resume in case it needs an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Louisiana Tech (16-10) may not be thinking at-large bid, but certainly could use the game as a springboard for the season's stretch drive.
"The great thing about Saturday's game is that it's a reward somewhat for our season's play," Louisiana Tech head coach Keith Richard said. "Our game was picked as an ESPN2 game as one of the BracketBuster games."
SIU will play a return game in Ruston, La. next season.
"We'll go into another hostile environment and a big time home team in Southern Illinois," said Richard. " It's going to be a tremendous challenge."
The game is the 11th non-conference game for SIU, which has already gone 7-3 in non-conference games this year.
The Bulldogs have played a tough schedule this year, including losses to three nationally ranked teams (#21 Alabama, #4 Memphis, #24 Wisconsin).
Paul Millsap, Louisiana Tech's junior forward, is the Bulldogs' go-to-man. Millsap is averaging a double-double per game and is one of the premier forwards in the nation.
"He is a very, very good player," said Lowery. "He is definitely an NBA- type guy."
Millsap leads the Bulldogs in nearly every offensive category. At 20.1 points per game, he is the only Bulldog averaging in double digit scoring.
Last Wednesday against San Jose State, Millsap grabbed 28 rebounds, giving him the national rebounding lead with 13.2 per game.
The Salukis' defense, ranked ninth in the nation, will have the tall task of defending Millsap, however, Lowery was quick to note his team can't focus soley on the Bulldogs' marquee player.
"We have to contain Millsap," said Lowery. "But we can't put all of our emphasis on him, because if we do that, other guys will go off on us."
The Salukis have a talented big man of their own in Randal Falker, who is playing the best basketball of his career the last three weeks. The sophomore forward has averaged 16.5 points per game and 10 rebounds per game in his last six games.
The two teams have faced off only twice before with the Salukis winning both times, including a 109-82 route behind 37 points by Saluki great, Joe C. Meriweather, on Dec. 13, 1973.
