Southern Illinois University
3-4,0-0MVC
Memphis
2-4,0-0American
Shooting Woes Continue; Salukis Fall to Memphis
11/26/2025 | 10:10:00 | Men's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Southern Illinois couldn't keep pace with Memphis on Wednesday, falling 74-58 at the FedExForum.
Cold 3-point shooting, which has plagued the Salukis all season, was a major factor against Penny Hardaway's Tigers. SIU went just 2 of 15 from beyond the arc, dropping its season percentage to a Division I-worst 22.8 percent. The bigger issue Wednesday was overall shooting — Southern hit only 31 percent from the field. In its first six games, SIU had been efficient inside the arc, making about 60 percent of its 2-point attempts.
"We're struggling to make shots. We got a lot of good looks. With their size, you have to make shots — you just do," head coach Scott Nagy said. "I'm still not overly concerned with the offense. We'll start making shots."
Some of the shooting woes on Wednesday can be attributed to the length and athleticism of the Tigers.
"They are definitely a very long team," said senior guard Davion Sykes. "They played in lanes. They made it tough for us today."
The Salukis started slowly on offense, but their defense kept them close. They trailed by just five points with 2:35 left in the first half before Memphis closed on a run to lead by 13 at the break.
Both teams locked down defensively at times in the second half. Memphis held SIU to 29 points after halftime, leading to a season-low 58 overall. Southern never led, and although it trailed by as many as 21 late, the Salukis continued to battle.
"We know we're athletic, and we can pressure the ball," Nagy said. "It's about being aggressive. If you're going to make a mistake, let it be aggressive."
Freshman Jalen Haynes scored a career-high 10 points off the bench to lead SIU. Rolyns Aligbe added nine, while Prince Aligbe and Davion Sykes each had eight. The Aligbes and Sykes all grabbed seven rebounds as SIU matched Memphis on the glass, 40-40, including 17 offensive boards.
"Our first-shot defense has been tremendous. We have to get the ball," Nagy said.
Memphis got 15 points each from Dug McDaniel and Julius Thedford, while Aaron Bradford added 14.
The Salukis finished their five-game, four-stop road trip 1-4, with their lone win coming against Delaware in the Jacksonville Classic. They also fell to Nevada (Nov. 12, 86-81), North Dakota State (Nov. 17, 92-85), and UAB (Nov. 24, 82-73).
SIU returns to Banterra Center to face Arkansas-Little Rock at 6 p.m. Saturday in Carbondale. Fans can purchase $10 tickets at Saluk.is/Thanksgiving.
