Southern Illinois Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:05:31 PST

Southern Illinois isn't used to coming out of nowhere in the Valley. The Salukis have been a conference heavyweight for most of the decade.

Not last season, when they turned in a losing season for the first time since 1998. Over the past two seasons, SIU lost its trademark defensive dominance. It even lost games at SIU Arena—six in 2009-2010.

Fans expect coach Chris Lowery to turn things around this season. It could happen. The Salukis appear to possess a good amount of talent, enough to challenge the MVC's top teams if things go right. Has SIU's dominance permanently slipped, or are the Salukis older and tougher and ready to get back to the top?

S Illinois guard Hare dismissed from team (AP)

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:06:52 PDT

Southern Illinois guard Ryan Hare has been kicked off the team a month after being suspended while facing battery and felony trespassing charges. Coach Chris Lowery announced the dismissal Sunday, citing a violation of unspecified team rules and policies. Hare, a sophomore from Chicago, was charged in Jackson County last month with battery and trespassing after a disturbance involving one of his...