Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) women's basketball team is preparing for an away game against Missouri State this Sunday. The Salukis, who currently hold a 2-10 overall record and are winless in their conference games, will face the Lady Bears at 2 p.m.

Fans can catch the game live on ESPN+ with commentary from Mike McClure and Don West. Additionally, Larry Larson will provide radio coverage on NewsRadio WJPF 107.9 FM.

The Salukis have struggled at the start of their conference play, losing to Valparaiso, Murray State, and Belmont. They are averaging 62 points per game while allowing an average of 80.3 points in league play. SIU ranks tenth in scoring defense within the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), conceding 73 points per game, and twelfth offensively with an average of 59.9 points per game.

Despite these challenges, SIU excels in rebounding within the MVC, ranking fifth overall and first in offensive rebounds with an average of 13.4 per game—79th nationally.

Key players for SIU include Gift Uchenna, who leads the team with averages of 15.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game over twelve matches. Uchenna is notable for being second nationally in rebounding and leading the country in offensive rebounds per game.

Kayla Cooper has shown recent improvement by scoring double figures in four out of her last five games after a slow start to the season. Other contributors include Se'Quoia Allmond with consistent performances since joining the starting lineup and Isabella Palmqvist who remains a key player off the bench.

Missouri State presents a formidable challenge as they lead the MVC with ten total wins this season and hold a perfect home record so far this year. The Lady Bears are third in both scoring offense and defense within the conference.

Historically, Southern Illinois has struggled against Missouri State with only thirty-one wins out of ninety-four encounters between them; their last victory was on February 4th, 2022.

Fans can stay updated on SIU women's basketball through social media platforms like Twitter (@SIU_WBasketball), Instagram (@SIU_WBasketball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics), or via their mobile app available on major app stores.