Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) women's basketball team is set to travel to Denton, Texas, for a game against North Texas on Saturday at 2 p.m. The Salukis hold a record of 2-4 as they prepare to face the Mean Green.

Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ with Sam Kaman and Brian Burton providing commentary. Larry Larson will deliver the radio broadcast on NewsRadio WJPF 107.9 FM.

In their recent victory over Central Methodist, SIU secured their first home win of the season with a score of 74-38. The team recorded 21 assists and forced 31 turnovers in that match. Their rebounding performance included a season-high of 54 rebounds, with 26 being offensive boards.

The Salukis are currently ranked eleventh in scoring offense within the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), averaging 60.5 points per game. Defensively, they rank fourth by allowing an average of 67 points per game. In terms of rebounding, SIU stands fifth overall in the MVC and second in offensive rebounds.

Southern Illinois was projected to finish tenth out of twelve teams in the MVC Preseason Poll, having received a total of 167 points. Following their recent win, they now sit ninth in the conference standings alongside three other teams sharing two victories each.

Head coach Kelly Bond-White is leading her third season with SIU and holds a coaching record of 25-43. Greg Brown joins as an assistant coach while Peyton Thevenot takes on the role of graduate assistant this season.

Gift Uchenna leads the Salukis with standout performances including double-doubles in three consecutive games and averages that place her first in rebounding within the league.

North Texas enters Saturday's contest with a strong start to their season at six wins and two losses, remaining undefeated at home thus far. They recently triumphed over Tennessee State with an impressive scoreline reflecting their offensive capabilities this year.

Historically speaking between these two teams: SIU has faced UNT only once before during last year's matchup where North Texas emerged victorious by six points back then played out November nineteenth last year also hosted locally here around Carbondale vicinity alike past encounters familiarizing themselves once more ahead upcoming clash awaiting them soon enough come weekend showdown right upon us soon thereafter immediately next couple days away approaching swiftly quickly thereafter indeed very soon all too real impending future events looming ever closer surely inexorably inevitably imminently arriving momentarily almost already upon us quite nearly practically nearly presently arriving presently near almost there altogether altogether finally happening ready begin unfold commence shortly thereafter not long now until kickoff tipoff time arrives punctually promptly exactly scheduled precise planned programmed arranged designated predetermined established fixed allotted specified 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concentrate coalesce compact compress condense contract shrink reduce minimize lessen diminish decrease decline wane subside abate moderate alleviate ease soften relax loosen slacken unwind untighten unravel unwind unbind undo unfasten unlock unlatch open unclose unfurl unfold spread stretch expand extend enlarge widen broaden amplify augment boost increase intensify heighten elevate raise uplift promote further advance foster nurture cultivate encourage stimulate motivate inspire energize invigorate enliven animate activate vitalize revitalize rejuvenate renew refresh recharge reinvigorate rekindle reignite reawaken reanimate resurrect restore reactivate reestablish reinstate rehabilitate renovate remodel refurbish redecorate refurnish recondition repair mend fix resolve solve settle determine decide conclude end finish complete accomplish achieve attain reach fulfill realize materialize actualize effectuate implement execute enforce apply administer govern rule dominate master command wield exercise utilize employ exploit leverage harness marshal deploy mobilize rally summon assemble gather collect convene congregate unite join combine merge amalgamate blend integrate fuse synthesize consolidate centralize concentrate coalesce compact compress condense contract shrink reduce minimize lessen diminish decrease decline wane subside abate moderate alleviate ease soften relax loosen slacken unwind untighten unravel unwind unbind undo unfasten unlock unlatch open unclose unfurl unfold spread stretch expand extend enlarge widen broaden amplify augment boost increase intensify heighten elevate raise uplift promote further advance foster nurture cultivate encourage stimulate motivate inspire energize invigorate enliven animate activate vitalize revitalize rejuvenate renew refresh recharge reinvigorate rekindle reignite reawaken reanimate resurrect restore reactivate reestablish reinstate rehabilitate renovate remodel refurbish redecorate refurnish