Carbondale Reporter

On Sunday, the Southern Illinois University (SIU) women's basketball team will host Drake at the Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. and can be watched on ESPN+ with commentary from Dominic Hoscher and Saluki Hall of Famer Jamaal Tatum. Radio coverage will be provided by Larry Larson on NewsRadio WJPF 107.9 FM.

The event coincides with 'Faith and Family Day' at the Banterra Center, inviting youth groups to attend. A bounce house will be available in the Charles Helleny Pavilion before the game begins.

Southern Illinois currently holds a record of 3-13 overall and 1-6 in conference play after their recent loss to Northern Iowa with a score of 84-59. Despite this, Gift Uchenna has been recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week for her performance, averaging 23 points, 18 rebounds, and 5.5 blocks per game.

The Salukis have faced challenges during conference play, ranking eleventh in scoring offense and tenth in scoring defense within the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). They are also ranked sixth in overall rebounding but lead in offensive rebounding within their conference.

Key players include Gift Uchenna who leads the MVC in rebounding and is second nationally; Kayla Cooper who recently scored a career-high eight assists; Se'Quoia Allmond who has missed several games due to injury; Isabella Palmqvist known for her three-point shooting; Tkiyah Nelson notable for her free throw attempts; Tyranny Brown who was part of SIU's previous championship team; and Alice Curman showing consistent performance over recent games.

Drake comes into Sunday's match with an overall record of 11-8 and a conference record of 5-3. The Bulldogs have lost their last three games but maintain strong statistics with Katie Dinnebier leading them offensively.

This encounter marks the 99th meeting between SIU and Drake, with SIU trailing historically against Drake but hoping to break their current losing streak against them since February 2022.

For updates on SIU women’s basketball, fans can follow their social media accounts or download their mobile app available on both iOS and Android platforms.