Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) women's basketball team is preparing to start its new season with a game against Auburn on Monday at 6 p.m. The match will be available for viewing on SEC Network +, with JJ Jackson and Joe Ciampi providing commentary. Larry Larson will handle the radio broadcast on NewsRadio WJPF 107.9 FM.

Reflecting on their previous season, the Salukis concluded with an 11-20 overall record and a 6-14 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play. They last opened their season on the road in the 2021-22 campaign against the University of Tennessee, which was also their most recent encounter with a Southeastern Conference opponent. SIU's record over the past five season-openers stands at 2-3, and they are seeking their first Power Five victory since defeating the University of Illinois in December 2021.

In preseason predictions, Southern Illinois was ranked tenth out of twelve teams in the MVC poll. Their previous season ended in the first round of the conference tournament with a loss to Indiana State. Despite this, they managed a three-game winning streak to close out their regular season, marking their longest such run since early January 2023.

Coach Kelly Bond-White is entering her third year leading SIU with a current record of 23-39. The coaching staff sees two new additions: assistant coach Greg Brown and graduate assistant Peyton Thevenot.

The team's roster features four returning players alongside ten newcomers, including transfers Kayla Cooper from Oklahoma, Karris Allen from Western Kentucky University, and Jeniah Thompson who returns to Southern Illinois after playing at Wichita State University.

Auburn completed its last season with a 20-12 record and participated in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. Under Coach Johnnie Harris, now entering her fourth year with Auburn, they aim to build on that performance.

Historically, SIU has faced Auburn only once before during an NCAA Tournament game in March 1986 where Auburn emerged victorious.

Fans can stay updated by following SIU Women's Basketball across various social media platforms or by downloading their mobile app available on major app stores.