Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University (SIU) athletics teams are in full swing with various sports competing and preparing for their respective seasons.

The men's basketball team improved its conference record to 7-7 after two victories. The team defeated Evansville 68-59, marking their fourth consecutive road win. Ali Dibba and Jarrett Hensley each scored 18 points, while Kennard Davis Jr. contributed 14 points and nearly achieved a double-double. Back at home, SIU overcame UIC with a score of 79-67, where Davis led the scoring with 23 points. The team faces Bradley on February 12 and Belmont on February 15.

Women's basketball secured one win out of two games this week. They beat Evansville 72-69, with Gift Uchenna achieving a double-double of 20 points and 19 rebounds. However, they fell to Indiana State, losing 87-63. The team is set to host Missouri State on February 13 and UIC on February 16.

In track and field, SIU participated in the Missouri Invite, where Andre Jackson II won the men's 400-meter dash setting a personal best time of 47.44 seconds. SIU athletes dominated several events including the women's long jump by Nakyrah Cooks. The track team hosts the Don DeNoon Invite on February 15.

The softball team began their season at the Tiger Invitational, ending with a record of one win and four losses. Their only victory was against Appalachian State with an impressive score of 11-2. The Salukis will compete next in the Snowman Tournament starting February 13.

Women's golf commenced their spring season at the Advance Golf Partners Collegiate, currently sitting ninth among eighteen teams as of Sunday evening.

Men's golf is participating in the Hal Williams Collegiate hosted by South Alabama from February 10 to February 11.

Baseball starts its season this week with a series against UTRGV from February 14 to February 16 in Edinburg, Texas.

For updates on Saluki athletics, fans can follow them on social media or download their mobile app for more information.