Basketball season begins with Maroon Madness
10/17/2008 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
Oct. 17, 2008
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Saluki men and women's basketball season's officially kicked-off Friday night in front of 1,500 at the SIU Arena for Maroon Madness.
The first practice of the season began with the introduction of the women and men's teams amidst a smoke machine, and spotlight entrance.
Following the announcement of the players, the event continued with a slam-dunk contest, 3-point shootout and two-ball contest, which included basketball players and Saluki fans chosen from the crowd.
Junior guard Brandon Allen won the five-player dunk contest, freshman guard Olivia Lett took first place in the 3-point shootout and senior forward Jasmine Gibson and her teammate won the two-ball competition.
To wrap-up Maroon Madness, the men's squad split into a maroon team and white team for two eight-minute scrimmages.
Sophomore guard Justin Bocot led all scorers with 15 points to lift the maroon team to a 33-22 victory.
The men and women's teams will open the season on Monday, Nov. 3 and Tuesday, Nov. 4 with exhibition games against Missouri Southern and Christian Brothers beginning at 7:05 p.m. at the SIU Arena.
