Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) women's basketball team is set to host Central Methodist on Monday at 11 a.m. for the 'Elementary Field Trip Day' game. The event will take place at the Banterra Center, with over 4,500 local school children expected to attend.

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.

Southern Illinois, currently holding a record of 1-4, aims to break a two-game losing streak at home against Central Methodist. Their last home victory was recorded on March 2, 2024, against Bradley. The team ranks 11th in scoring offense within the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), averaging 57.8 points per game, and ninth in scoring defense, allowing an average of 72.8 points per game.

Gift Uchenna leads SIU in several categories including scoring (14.6), rebounding (10.6), and blocks (2.4). She is one of two players in the MVC averaging a double-double alongside Evansville's Maggie Hartwig.

Central Methodist enters Monday's game with an overall record of 4-5 and competes in the NAIA Division I level within the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between Southern Illinois University and Central Methodist.

Fans can follow updates about the Salukis through their social media platforms or by downloading the "Salukis" Mobile App available on both App Store and Google Play Store.