Lavender
CARBONDALE — Southern Illinois University Carbondale released its men’s basketball schedule on Thursday, unveiling a slate of 18 Missouri Valley Conference games that begins with a New Year’s Eve home matchup against Missouri State.
The Salukis, who will feature freshman guard Deion Lavender, a Marquette High graduate and AdVantage News Male Player of the Year, have a nonconference date Wednesday, Dec. 3, at SIUE.
After welcoming Missouri State on Dec. 31, SIUC will play three of its next four games on the road, with trips to Bradley (Jan. 3), Northern Iowa (Jan. 7) and defending champion Wichita State (Jan. 14). Home games during January are versus Indiana State (Jan. 10), Loyola (Jan. 18), Bradley (Jan. 21) and Northern Iowa (Jan. 28). Other January road dates include Evansville (Jan. 24) and Missouri State (Jan. 31).
In February, the Salukis will travel to Drake (Feb. 4), Loyola (Feb. 11), Indiana State (Feb. 21) and Illinois State (Feb. 25). Home dates are against Illinois State (Feb. 7), Evansville (Feb. 14), Wichita State (Feb. 17) and Drake (Feb. 28).
The MVC Tournament takes place March 5-8 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
SIUC’s non-conference schedule, released on July 14, received a minor revision. The order of opponents in the Men Against Breast Cancer Classic has changed with SIUC now facing host Kent State on the first day (Nov. 21), followed by Yale (Nov. 22) and UIC (Nov. 23).
The Salukis return four players who started at least 12 games last season, including All-Conference guard Anthony Beane.
“Even though we will have one of the youngest teams in college basketball this season, I really like my team” said third-year head coach Barry Hinson. “I expect we’ll be right in the thick of the conference battle.”
The MVC will announce its television schedule later this month. Game times are subject to change. For information regarding season tickets, call 877-SALUKIS.