Final: SIU 72, WSU 68. The Shockers will play on Thursday.
7:48 remaining: SIU 56, WSU 52. Things are heating up. Durley leveled Fay with a pick. I don’t think it was intentionally dirty. Two big bodies, both moving, collided. No foul. Durley tried to slap hands with Fay after he got up and Fay pushed him away. A few minutes later, Hare was called for a T. I didn’t see why. Hannah made 1 of 2 free throws and a three-pointer to cut SIU’s lead to four points. Hare has four fouls. I am sure any non-Saluki who has watched Valley basketball the past 10 years gets a chuckle any time SIU fans boo the refs or feel the other team gets away with physical play.
11:59 remaining: SIU 43, WSU 40.
14:31 remaining: SIU 38, WSU 38. Both teams look tired. The first one to find some energy might pull away. Murry with three fouls. Boyle has 12 for SIU, 10 at the line.
Halftime: SIU 32, WSU 30. WSU weathered a couple storms and came out in good shape. I guess that is a sign of progress. Late in the half, they found some ways to score, once on a lob and once on a backdoor. Those plays make SIU pay for its aggressive defense. Poor free throw shooting (5 of 10) is holding the Shockers back. Durley and Hannah both have seven. Boyle has 10 for SIIU, eight at the line. I would think WSU is happy to stay close and hope its depth wears down SIU in the second half.
3:45 remaining: SIU 27, WSU 23. SIU committed five straight turnovers. WSU scored on two of them. Add Booker to the list of Salukis with two fouls.
5:46 remaining: SIU 27, WSU 21.
6:55 remaining: SIU 24, WSU 18. WSU’s zone defense seemed to give SIU problems. The Shockers went man after a turnover, so they are probably going zone after scores and man after makes. Dillard, Boyle and Evans have two fouls for SIU.
9:49 remaining: SIU 22, WSU 13. The refs are sorting out possession. More critical, WSU needs to find a way to score. SIU’s defense is dominating.
11:58 remaining: SIU 17, WSU 11. Evans has two fouls, which could be important. SIU has eight healthy players. Depth could be an advantage for WSU. SIU’s defense is picking up. WSU guards can’t get past the defenders to start anything on offense.
15:00 remaining: SIU 11, WSU 8. Clemente has half of WSU’s points.
WSU starters - Hannah, Clemente, Murry, Hawkins, Durley. SIU - Dillard, Bocot, Hare, Boyle, Fay.
Senior night festivities here at SIU Arena. Boyle, Clemmons and Mullins are on stage. Mullins is suited up, but will not play.
Playing for fifth place may not seem like much, but after starting 0-6, the Shockers feel as if they are in the running for second-half champions of the MVC. Losing tonight and playing Thursday would be a real letdown. If nothing else, this game should be another good training session for next season. Gregg Marshall wants the Shockers to know how pressure feels and they are getting a taste of this season.