Southern Illinois University athletics teams are resuming their seasons after the winter break, with both men’s and women’s basketball squads competing in recent games and swim and dive preparing for upcoming meets.
The men’s basketball team improved its record to 8-8 overall and 2-3 in conference play by securing two key victories last week. On New Year’s Day, the Salukis defeated Valparaiso 75-70. Prince Aligbe and Quel’Ron House each scored 12 points, while Rolyns Aligbe led with 12 rebounds. Drew Steffe contributed four assists.
On Sunday, SIU edged Belmont 68-67, clinching the win with a last-second basket from House. House also led the team in scoring with 15 points and added four assists. Isaiah Stafford scored 14 points, and Jalen Haynes had 13. The Salukis will next face UIC on Wednesday, January 7 at 7 p.m.
The women’s basketball team concluded an Iowa road trip over the weekend with losses to Drake and UNI. Against Drake on Friday, SIU lost 89-75 despite leading at halftime. Indya Green recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds; Alayna Kraus, Kayla Cooper, and Jeniah Thompson also scored in double figures. Thompson collected another double-double by adding 13 rebounds.
On Sunday against UNI, Southern fell 91-64. Cooper (11) and Thompson (10) again reached double digits in scoring. Kraus’ streak of double-digit point games ended as she finished with nine points. The Salukis will host Evansville on Thursday, January 8 at 6 p.m., followed by a home game against Valparaiso on Saturday, January 10 at 2 p.m.
The swim and dive team returns to competition this week following winter break. The men’s squad will compete at Purdue on Friday, January 9 at 2 p.m., while all Saluki swimmers will face Indiana State and Evansville for Senior Day on Saturday, January 10.
Fans can follow Southern Illinois University athletics updates via X (@SIUSalukis), Instagram (@siusalukis), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SalukiAthletics/), or by downloading the “Salukis” mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
