SIU to host Preseason WNIT Consolation Bracket
11/14/2015 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
By: Will Becque
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University women's basketball team will host a consolation bracket of the Preseason WNIT on Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21.
Southern will welcome Alabama State, Siena and Tennessee State to SIU Arena for two games each day. Alabama State will battle Tennessee State on Friday at 4 p.m. before the Salukis play host to the Saints of Siena at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, the winners and the losers of each of the first two games will play, with Southern playing either way at 6:30 p.m.
A two-day pass good for admission to all four games can be purchased for just $15. Additionally, a one-day pass for an adult for either day is $10, while a one-day pass for a child is $5. SIU students get into the event free of charge. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-877-SALUKIS or by clicking here.
SIU will be looking to bounce back after a 105-61 loss at No. 22 DePaul in the opener. The Salukis trailed by just eight points mid-way through the second quarter, before an 11-0 run by the home team gave the Blue Demons a commanding lead they never relinquished. Redshirt junior guard Rishonda Napier led the Salukis with a team-high 15 points while junior forward Kim Nebo grabbed a career-high eight rebounds.
Siena suffered a 57-40 loss to Saint Bonaventure in its opener of the Preseason WNIT. Sophomore guard Kollyns Scarbrough led the Saints with 10 points, who struggled from the field, shooting 26.5% (13-of-49) from the field, including just 1-of-16 (6%) from behind the arc. Friday's game will mark the first meeting all-time between Siena and SIU.
After leading at the half, Alabama State fell to the consolation bracket with a 65-44 loss to Southern Mississippi in the first round. Jasmine Peeples led the Hornets with seven points, eight rebounds and five blocks. Tennessee State dropped an 88-56 decision to Indiana University in its first game of the Preseason WNIT. The Tigers were led by Brianna Lawrence, who finished with a game-high 22 points.
A potential SIU vs. Alabama State meeting would be the first in school history, while Southern holds a 3-1 advantage all-time over Tennessee State. The Salukis were victorious the last time the two schools met, posting an 89-68 win in Nashville, Tenn. on Nov. 22, 2011.
