Southern Illinois University
University of Delaware
Salukis look for intensity, leadership against Delaware
11/20/2025 | 2:40:00 | Men's Basketball
CARBONDALE, Ill. — After back-to-back losses to start a five-game road swing, the Southern Illinois men's basketball team is searching for its identity.
The two defeats felt very different.
The first loss on Wednesday, Nov. 12, came in Reno against Nevada in a back-and-forth battle with a Mountain West opponent in front of more than 7,000 rowdy Wolf Pack fans. SIU had a chance to close out the game but surrendered a game-tying 3-pointer in the final seconds of regulation and fell in overtime, 86-81. While there are no moral victories, the Salukis left Reno with several positives.
The second loss on Monday, Nov. 17, at North Dakota State told a different story. SIU lacked focus, leading to defensive lapses, sloppy possessions and a 92-85 defeat to a Summit League foe in front of just over 1,000 fans. The takeaways were far less encouraging.
"We are focused on increasing defensive intensity and establishing an identity that allows us to play fast and physical," head coach Scott Nagy said.
One of the biggest issues in both games was defending the 3-point line. Nevada isn't a strong 3-point shooting team, but a defensive lapse on its final possession in regulation allowed a wide-open look to tie the game. Against North Dakota State, the Bison hit 16 shots from beyond the arc, including nine of their first 12. That tied for the second-most 3-pointers ever made against SIU.
"Our guys have to close harder and faster on 3-point shots," Nagy said. "It's been a point of emphasis all season, but we have to execute on the court."
Next Up
Southern Illinois sits at 2-2 as it heads to the Jacksonville Classic presented by Just Play in Jacksonville, Florida. The Salukis will face Delaware and UAB in back-to-back contests at Edward Waters University. The games are:
- SIU vs. Delaware: 2 p.m. CST, Sunday, Nov. 22
- SIU vs. UAB: 12:30 p.m. CST, Monday, Nov. 23
Both games will stream on PassThaBallLive for $24.99 and air for free on the Saluki Radio Network.
Scouting Delaware
Delaware earned its first win Tuesday night, beating Saint Peter's 81-70. The Blue Hens (1-3) got 18 points from 6-foot-5 guard Justyn Fernandez in his season debut. Forwards Macon Emory (6-8) and Tyler Houser (6-9) scored 17 each, while guard Christian Bliss added 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Emory also grabbed 11 boards.
Delaware shot 11-of-21 from 3-point range, including 8-of-13 in the first half, and outrebounded Saint Peter's 38-26.
The Blue Hens have a KenPom rating of 219; SIU ranks No. 131.
Delaware has been without senior guard Cavan Reilly, a preseason All-Conference USA selection, since the opener. Villanova transfer Nnanna Njoku, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward, has also missed the season with undisclosed injuries.
After Jacksonville
After the two games in Jacksonville, the Salukis will head directly to Memphis, Tennessee, to take on the Tigers at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26. The Dawgs then return home for the first time in over three weeks to take on Arkansas Little Rock at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Banterra Center. Tickets for that game are available here.
Southern Illinois will then travel to High Point on Wednesday, Dec. 3, host UT Martin on Wednesday, Dec. 10, and wrap up non-conference action on the road against Richmond on Saturday, Dec. 13. All five games — Memphis, Arkansas Little Rock, High Point, UT Martin, and Richmond — will stream on ESPN+ and be called on the Saluki Radio Network.
