Southern Illinoise University Athletics
This Week in Saluki Athletics: January 26-February 1
01/26/2026 | 2:35:00 | General
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Despite the inclement weather of this past weekend, there were still plenty of Saluki athletics to be had last week. Both basketballs were in action once and track and field hosted a meet. As for this week, those three squads are back in action while swim and dive and women's golf compete as well.
Men's Basketball (8-12, 2-7)
Men's basketball played just one game last week after their Sunday game at Evansville was postponed.
On Wednesday, the team fell 69-63 at Valparaiso. Jalen Haynes led the Salukis in scoring with 17 points while three other SIU players joined him in double-digit scoring. Prince Aligbe was one of those players, and he came close to a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds. Back to Haynes, he also led Southern in assists with five.
This week, men's basketball welcomes a pair of teams to Carbondale for home matches. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, UNI visits Banterra Center at 6 p p.m. Then, the Salukis host UIC on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m.
Women's Basketball (6-12, 3-6)
Due to weather, women's basketball played just one game last week as well, defeating Indiana State 86-74 on Thursday. Alayna Kraus led all scorers in the game with 22 points, but fellow transfer Indya Green was not too far behind her with 19 of her own. Green and Jeniah Thompson tied for the game-lead in rebounds with nine each.
One game awaits women's basketball this week. On Thursday, Jan. 29, the squad visits Murray State at 6 p.m.
Swim and Dive
While not in action last week, swim and dive did receive three weekly awards from the Missouri Valley Conference for the prior weekend's results. Olivia Herron was named the Women's Swimmer of the Week for the fifth time this season while Willem Huggins earned his second Male Swimmer of the Week honor. Finally, Lucas Lauzon was named the Men's Diver of the Week.
The team is back in action this weekend. On Friday, Jan. 30, the team pays a visit to Eastern Illinois at 1 p.m. Then, on Saturday, Jan. 31, the Salukis travel to Mizzou to face the Tigers at 10 a.m.
Track and Field
Track and field saw competition last Thursday and Friday when they hosted the Don Denoon Classic. It was a great meet for the Salukis, who won 16 different events. Highlights for Southern included Weston Jokerst setting a program record in the 1000-meter and Jordan Smith recording six new personal bests.
The team is competing for a third straight weekend this Friday, Jan. 30, and Saturday, Jan. 31, when they participate in the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational, hosted by Louisville.
Women's Golf
The spring season begins this week for women's golf when they travel to Palm City, Florida, for the Advance Golf Partners Golf Collegiate from Sunday, Feb. 1, through Tuesday, Feb. 3.
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 (8-12, 2-7)
Men's basketball played just one game last week after their Sunday game at Evansville was postponed.
On Wednesday, the team fell 69-63 at Valparaiso. Jalen Haynes led the Salukis in scoring with 17 points while three other SIU players joined him in double-digit scoring. Prince Aligbe was one of those players, and he came close to a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds. Back to Haynes, he also led Southern in assists with five.
This week, men's basketball welcomes a pair of teams to Carbondale for home matches. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, UNI visits Banterra Center at 6 p p.m. Then, the Salukis host UIC on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m.
Women's Basketball (6-12, 3-6)
Due to weather, women's basketball played just one game last week as well, defeating Indiana State 86-74 on Thursday. Alayna Kraus led all scorers in the game with 22 points, but fellow transfer Indya Green was not too far behind her with 19 of her own. Green and Jeniah Thompson tied for the game-lead in rebounds with nine each.
One game awaits women's basketball this week. On Thursday, Jan. 29, the squad visits Murray State at 6 p.m.
Swim and Dive
While not in action last week, swim and dive did receive three weekly awards from the Missouri Valley Conference for the prior weekend's results. Olivia Herron was named the Women's Swimmer of the Week for the fifth time this season while Willem Huggins earned his second Male Swimmer of the Week honor. Finally, Lucas Lauzon was named the Men's Diver of the Week.
The team is back in action this weekend. On Friday, Jan. 30, the team pays a visit to Eastern Illinois at 1 p.m. Then, on Saturday, Jan. 31, the Salukis travel to Mizzou to face the Tigers at 10 a.m.
Track and Field
Track and field saw competition last Thursday and Friday when they hosted the Don Denoon Classic. It was a great meet for the Salukis, who won 16 different events. Highlights for Southern included Weston Jokerst setting a program record in the 1000-meter and Jordan Smith recording six new personal bests.
The team is competing for a third straight weekend this Friday, Jan. 30, and Saturday, Jan. 31, when they participate in the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational, hosted by Louisville.
Women's Golf
The spring season begins this week for women's golf when they travel to Palm City, Florida, for the Advance Golf Partners Golf Collegiate from Sunday, Feb. 1, through Tuesday, Feb. 3.
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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/ Men's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Men's Basketball
Breast/IM
/ Swimming & Diving
/ Swimming & Diving
/ Track and Field
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/ Women's Basketball
Dive
/ Swimming & Diving
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