Aug. 31, 2008

By Tom Weber
www.SIUSalukis.com

Box Score -- Photo Gallery

WINDSOR, Canada - Games such as today's 94-89 win over Western Ontario are exactly why Saluki head coach Chris Lowery brought his young team to Canada over the Labor Day weekend.

Leading by 13 points after three quarters, Southern Illinois coasted through most of the fourth quarter and watched the Mustangs trim the lead to 81-80, with 3:22 remaining in the game.

Lowery originally intended to rest starting point guard Bryan Mullins the entire fourth period, but re-inserted the senior leader for a couple of possessions in the final three minutes. Mullins promptly executed the two-man game to perfection, penetrating and drawing defenders away from forward Carlton Fay, who stroked a pair of 3-pointers to secure the victory.

"These are real-game situations that we never would have experienced until the season started, if we hadn't come here," Lowery said. "It's so good for those young guys to experience this."

Through three quarters, the Salukis steadily wore down a game Western Ontario squad using relentless defensive pressure. SIU led, 70-57, and had forced 23 turnovers before the roster of freshmen and newcomers put themselves on cruise control.

"We got up at the end of the third quarter, and the younger guys thought it was the end of the game," Lowery said. "You have to stay focused and be cut-in mentally at the end of the game, even more than at the beginning. We're happy it happened that way, because it forced us to execute, make free throws and get stops to win the game."

Putting Mullins back in toward the end allowed him to demonstrate to the rookies how to close out a game.

"The young guys need to understand it's about patience and having poise when you need to make plays," Lowery said.

Fay was the offensive star of the game for SIU, scoring 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field and 4-of-6 from 3-point range. He looked far more assertive than at any point during his freshman season last year.

Freshman point guard Kevin Dillard played for the first time on the trip and put up an impressive line score with 16 points, five assists and four steals. Lowery tried to temper his excitement about Dillard's performance.

"Kevin still needs to learn what's a good shot and what's a bad shot, but talent-wise, when you play him and Bryan together, you've got guys who can penetrate and pitch and make plays for other people and have a great understanding of how to play," Lowery said.

The Salukis played their typical physical, trapping defense and racked up a remarkable 17 steals. SIU was whistled for 30 personal fouls, however, which led to 36 points from the charity stripe for Western Ontario.

SIU plays its final game of the trip tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET against host Windsor.