Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's basketball team is set to resume Missouri Valley Conference play against Northern Iowa this Sunday. The game will take place at McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, with a 1 p.m. CT tip-off.

The ESPN Plus broadcast will feature Eric Bailey and Kevin Lehman, while the radio coverage can be accessed locally on 101.5 CIL-FM and through various online platforms with Luke Martin and Rodney Watson providing commentary. Fans can also follow live stats on SIUSalukis.com.

Kennard Davis Jr. and Ali Dibba have been recognized with Third Team Preseason All-MVC honors, with SIU predicted to finish seventh in the conference's preseason poll. Dibba has consistently scored double digits this season, leading the team with an average of 15.8 points per game. Davis Jr., averaging 14.4 points per game, ranks third in the MVC for steals per game.

Jarrett Hensley has achieved consecutive double-doubles recently, contributing significantly to the team's performance alongside Davion Sykes who scored ten points in their last outing against High Point.

Northern Iowa was picked to finish second in the MVC preseason poll and currently holds a 7-5 overall record. They are strong at home with a single loss this season at McLeod Center. UNI features four players scoring in double digits, led by Tytan Anderson.

Historically, Southern Illinois leads the series against Northern Iowa 39-38 but faced defeats in both encounters last season.

In their previous game, Southern Illinois fell to High Point despite Ali Dibba's career-high performance of 27 points.

SIU's coaching staff brings extensive experience to the bench, boasting over 100 years collectively among six coaches.

Following Sunday's game, Southern Illinois will face Evansville on New Year's Day with special ticket offers available.

For more updates on Southern Illinois basketball, fans can visit SIUSalukis.com or follow them on social media platforms including X and Instagram.