Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University (SIU) and Missouri State University are set to face each other for the second consecutive game on Wednesday night in Springfield. The match will take place at Great Southern Bank Arena, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.

The game will be broadcast on ESPN Plus with John Rooney and Rich Zvosec as the commentators. Local radio coverage will be available on 101.5 CIL-FM and through various digital platforms including the Saluki Radio Network and SIUSalukis.com/Listen, featuring Luke Martin and Rodney Watson.

SIU enters the game with a 6-11 overall record and a 1-5 standing in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). The team recently defeated Missouri State at home, marking their first MVC win of the season. Ali Dibba leads SIU with an average of 15.7 points per game, having scored double digits in all but two games this season. He notably scored a career-high 33 points against Belmont.

Kennard Davis Jr., another key player for SIU, averages 13.7 points per game along with 4.8 rebounds and ranks second in the MVC for steals this season. Jarrett Hensley recently achieved a career-high of 30 points in an overtime victory against Missouri State, contributing significantly to SIU's offense.

Missouri State holds a 7-10 overall record with no wins in six MVC games so far this season. The Bears have lost their last five games but maintain a decent home record of 5-3 at Great Southern Bank Arena. Dez White and Vincent Bradley II lead the team's scoring efforts.

Historically, Southern Illinois leads the series against Missouri State with a record of 54-44 since their first meeting in 1957. The most recent encounter saw SIU winning an overtime game against Missouri State with an 88-78 scoreline.

Fans can follow updates about the Salukis through various social media platforms or by visiting SIUSalukis.com.