Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) women's basketball team is set to face the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with commentary from Mike Trude and Saluki Hall of Famer Jamaal Tatum. Larry Larson will provide the radio call on NewsRadio WJPF 107.9 FM.

Wednesday's game at the Banterra Center will feature a 'Military Appreciation' night, offering free admission to military members who present an ID. Additionally, fans can preorder an ugly sweater themed for women's basketball, which they are encouraged to wear during SIU's December 22nd game against UAB.

The Salukis are looking to recover from their initial two losses this season against Auburn and Eastern Kentucky. In their recent match against Eastern Kentucky, SIU was defeated 70-49, with Isabella Palmqvist leading her team by scoring ten points. Despite these setbacks, Southern Illinois has limited its opponents to an average of 67.5 points per game.

Currently ranked seventh in the Missouri Valley Conference for defensive performance, SIU has held a field-goal percentage allowed of .383 through two games, second only to Bradley's .224. Offensively, they rank twelfth in scoring within the conference.

Coach Kelly Bond-White is in her third year leading the Salukis with a record of 23-41. New additions to her coaching staff include Greg Brown as assistant coach and Peyton Thevenot as graduate assistant.

Players Gift Uchenna and Tkiyah Nelson are both averaging six points per game so far this season. Uchenna also leads in rebounds with an average of 9.5 per game and ranks high in blocks within the conference.

The team's roster includes four returning players alongside ten newcomers, three of whom are transfers: Kayla Cooper from Oklahoma University, Karris Allen from Western Kentucky, and Jeniah Thompson returning from Wichita State University.

ULM enters Wednesday’s matchup undefeated after wins over Central Baptist and Louisiana Christian College, averaging 92 points per game under head coach Missy Bilderback’s leadership.

This upcoming contest marks the first-ever meeting between SIU and ULM women’s basketball programs.