This Week in Saluki Athletics: December 22-28
12/22/2025 | 6:26:00 | General
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Christmas is nearly here, which means a quiet week at Southern Illinois athletics. No team is in action this week after both basketballs opened up conference play last week. Additionally, football received a few more postseason honors.
Men's Basketball (6-7, 0-2)
Men's basketball fell in both Missouri Valley Conference games last week.
On Thursday, the Salukis lost 75-68 versus Illinois State. Quel'Ron House and Drew Steffe hit double-digit points with 22 and 17, while Rolyns Aligbe came close to a double-double as he scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds. Four Salukis also dished out multiple assists.
Southern then came just short of a late comeback against Bradley on Sunday, losing 73-69. House hit double-digit points again, and was joined this time by Aligbe and Damien Mayo Jr. House also tied for the game-high in assists with his five, and Aligbe fell once again just short of a double-double, this time by two rebounds.
After Christmas, men's basketball resumes play on December 29 at Murray State.
Women's Basketball (3-7, 0-1)
Women's basketball went 1-1 last week.
They first fell in the conference opener, 64-47 at Bradley on Thursday. Indya Green led the offense with 16 points, and Alayna Kraus kept her double-digit scoring streak alive with 11. Karris Allen led the team in rebounds with five, and Tkiyah Nelson dished out three assists.
SIU got back in the win column on Saturday by taking down Judson 85-29, the team's largest margin of victory since 2022. Southern saw double-doubles from Green (11 points, 11 rebounds) and Jeniah Thompson (14 points, 12 rebounds), while Kraus extended her double-digit scoring streak to 10 games thanks to her 16 points.
After Christmas break, women's basketball resumes action on December 29 at home against Belmont.
Football
Football saw three Salukis be named All-Americans last week. Quarterback DJ Williams and cornerback Jeremiah McClendon were named to the FCS Football Central All-American Third-Team. As for the AP All-American Team, McClendon earned a spot on the second team while Williams and kicker/punter Paul Geelen were honorable mentions. Finally, McClendon also earned a spot on the Stats Perform FCS Second Team, and Williams and Geelen landed on the Third Team.
Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on X at @SIUSalukis, on Instagram at @siusalukis, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SalukiAthletics/. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Men's Basketball (6-7, 0-2)
Men's basketball fell in both Missouri Valley Conference games last week.
On Thursday, the Salukis lost 75-68 versus Illinois State. Quel'Ron House and Drew Steffe hit double-digit points with 22 and 17, while Rolyns Aligbe came close to a double-double as he scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds. Four Salukis also dished out multiple assists.
Southern then came just short of a late comeback against Bradley on Sunday, losing 73-69. House hit double-digit points again, and was joined this time by Aligbe and Damien Mayo Jr. House also tied for the game-high in assists with his five, and Aligbe fell once again just short of a double-double, this time by two rebounds.
After Christmas, men's basketball resumes play on December 29 at Murray State.
Women's Basketball (3-7, 0-1)
Women's basketball went 1-1 last week.
They first fell in the conference opener, 64-47 at Bradley on Thursday. Indya Green led the offense with 16 points, and Alayna Kraus kept her double-digit scoring streak alive with 11. Karris Allen led the team in rebounds with five, and Tkiyah Nelson dished out three assists.
SIU got back in the win column on Saturday by taking down Judson 85-29, the team's largest margin of victory since 2022. Southern saw double-doubles from Green (11 points, 11 rebounds) and Jeniah Thompson (14 points, 12 rebounds), while Kraus extended her double-digit scoring streak to 10 games thanks to her 16 points.
After Christmas break, women's basketball resumes action on December 29 at home against Belmont.
Football
Football saw three Salukis be named All-Americans last week. Quarterback DJ Williams and cornerback Jeremiah McClendon were named to the FCS Football Central All-American Third-Team. As for the AP All-American Team, McClendon earned a spot on the second team while Williams and kicker/punter Paul Geelen were honorable mentions. Finally, McClendon also earned a spot on the Stats Perform FCS Second Team, and Williams and Geelen landed on the Third Team.
Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on X at @SIUSalukis, on Instagram at @siusalukis, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SalukiAthletics/. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Players Mentioned
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/ Football
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/ Men's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
K/P
/ Football
F
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Men's Basketball
CB
/ Football
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Men's Basketball
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