Malinsky NCAAB
5* #548 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS over ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
Jimmy Collins has a problem this season, In losing four of his top six scorers from LY, including Josh Mayo, one of the best in the history of the program, he is fielding a roster that lacks chemistry for now, and may lack scoring punch even when they do learn each other’s names. That means particularly bad news tonight against a defense that is going to allow precious few easy looks at the basket, and when the underdog has to work so hard to score it means that they eventually wilt.U.I.C. has opened by shooting 37.2 percent from the field, including 25.8 from 3-point range, and the only road game was a dismal 67-48 loss at Central Michigan. That was not an off-night, it simply is who they are. Now they have to step up in class against a tenacious Saluki defense that is showing the proper focus to make up for LY’s disappointing campaign. And one of those particular disappointments creates a special spark here – that 74-67 loss against these Flames in Chicago on Bracket Buster Saturday. Naturally it was Mayo coming up big, with 25 points, and there is no such threat this time.Look for Chris Lowery’s team to attack with a chip on their shoulder tonight, and with this being their last home game until December 12th, and one of only two on this court before Missouri Valley play opens, we will call for them to make some crescendo-type runs as this one breaks wide open.