Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Men's Basketball to play Illinois in 2010
04/21/2010 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
April 21, 2010
By Tom Weber
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - When Bruce Weber left Southern Illinois University in 2003, he promised his Illini team would schedule the Salukis.
That vow will come true, albeit seven years later, as SIU and Illinois have agreed to meet in Champaign next season for a regular-season matchup on Sunday, Nov. 14.
"Our fans have been waiting a long time for this game to take place," said Saluki Director of Athletics Mario Moccia. "Obviously, we would prefer to sign a home-and-home agreement with Illinois, but we'll take it one step at a time. I've been told that Coach Weber has said he wants to play a game in Carbondale, and we'll continue to remind him of that good intention."
The teams are separated by only 200 miles, however they have met on the hardwood just twice before. The last meeting came by chance, as both teams advanced to the championship game of the Las Vegas Invitational in 2001. Illinois rallied to win that contest, 75-72, a year in which the Salukis advanced to the Sweet 16. Ironically, Weber was Southern's head coach at the time.
A showdown between the schools was set to take place in the second round of the 2007 NCAA Tournament, however Illinois lost to Virginia Tech in the opening round, and SIU went on to beat Holy Cross and Virginia Tech on its way to the Sweet 16.
Saluki head coach Chris Lowery is 1-2 in his career versus Big Ten opponents, posting a victory over Minnesota in 2006, while losing to Indiana in 2007 and 2008.
An official contract has not yet been signed for next year's game with the Illinois. Saluki Basketball typically finalizes its schedule for publication in early September.
