[March 1, 2012] #8 Indiana State (17-13) vs. #9 Southern Illinois (8-22)

[Jason Svoboda]

http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/lrg/trans/282.gif vs. http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/lrg/trans/79.gif

#8 Indiana State Sycamores (17-13) vs. #9 Southern Illinois Salukis (8-22)

Scottrade Center - St. Louis, MO
Thursday, March 1st
6:00pm EST Tip

[TH_Sycamore12]

Trees have finished that past three reg. seasons at 17-13. Im going off memory, so someone will have to verify. No matter what happens in STL they should get a postseason bid. I know a lot of us are pulling for the ultimate prize of an NCAA berth, but I, personally, wouldn't be all that disappointed with a CIT or CBI bid. Heck its still postseason.

[agrinut]

Tree fan on Thursday, guess I better wear some powder blue.

[Bluethunder]

How much would it cost us to be in one of the smaller post season tourneys? Would it be worth the money? I think so, would be a likely tv game and I don't think it is a coincidence that both Creighton and WSU had deep post season runs last year and have much improved teams this year. I would like us to see us in one if we are offered.

[Bluethunder]

Tree fan on Thursday, guess I better wear some powder blue.

Royal blue.........Royal.

:naughty:

[agrinut]

Royal blue.........Royal.

:naughty:

My apologies, I will be wearing Royal Blue.

[agrinut]

How much would it cost us to be in one of the smaller post season tourneys? Would it be worth the money? I think so, would be a likely tv game and I don't think it is a coincidence that both Creighton and WSU had deep post season runs last year and have much improved teams this year. I would like us to see us in one if we are offered.

I think the CBI is 20,000 a home game and the CIT is 13,000 per hone game.

[give me heart]

The march to the arch last year got us to the big dance. The theme was three in three days. Few were believers. The team focused on One game at a time. Look what happened. I can already tell that our invasion in St Louie has few believers. The theme four in four and One at a time.

Get ready Valley 'cause you aren't gonna believe what happens next! Hell, they might just make a movie out of it. Story line...from a small Indiana town...well you know the rest. We have plenty of characters on this team to warrant a script. Now, to win this thing and get that chapter of the book wrote.

Can we beat SIU? Can we beat WSU? Can we beat UNI or IL St. ? The answer is definitely and that puts us in the championship where we should be looking not at some pay your way tourney that is already a lock.

Can anybody play me that Sycamore Rock song? We need to start believing.

[Quabachi]

Can anybody play me that Sycamore Rock song? We need to start believing.

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20593647?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/20593647">The Sycamore Rock</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/sycamores">SYCAMORES</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

[give me heart]

Thats what I'm talking about. They should use that during the games to get the students going. I S U lets do the Sycamore Rock oh yeah I said I S U get the blue crew ready for St Louie cause we aint done.

[SycamoreLynch]

Coach Lansing said it best last night after the game. It was a bummer that we had just lost but him and the Seniors all kept saying, "We're not done yet!" One game at a time! That is all we have to say right now. Focus on the Salukis and then we go from there. We can't win four if we don't win the first.

[treeman]

okay i'm going to look at this positively as i can right now. we should beat southern....if we don't that is just bad. the only way to win this tournament is to go through wichita, and would you rather be facing those guys in the championship game where we already have played 3 games in 3 days? or the second round where our guys will be pretty fresh and hopefully they have cooled off some from the week break? here's to hoping that the week off will give jake some much needed rest from his foot.

[Bluethunder]

Coach Lansing said it best last night after the game. It was a bummer that we had just lost but him and the Seniors all kept saying, "We're not done yet!" One game at a time! That is all we have to say right now. Focus on the Salukis and then we go from there. We can't win four if we don't win the first.

Amen to this brother! I worry that the guys will be bummed about finishing in the play in round and will come out flat, but so far they are saying all the right things. Would love to come out on Thursday and BLOW OUT SIU so we could rest some guys, but considering we haven't done that all year to anyone, I will be happy with a win.

[BrokerZ]

I see the guys going into this game with a chip on their shoulder. If I were SIU, I'd be prepared that a sleeping giant has been awaken. I'm expecting a 10+ point victory with a message sent to the rest of the MVC that we've come to defend our title.

We've played WSU well in both games. I'm sure WSU has looked at the bracket and have taken notice on how difficult their first game could be. Be afraid!!!

[Sycamore Proud]

I see the guys going into this game with a chip on their shoulder. If I were SIU, I'd be prepared that a sleeping giant has been awaken. I'm expecting a 10+ point victory with a message sent to the rest of the MVC that we've come to defend our title.

We've played WSU well in both games. I'm sure WSU has looked at the bracket and have taken notice on how difficult their first game could be. Be afraid!!!


Yes, we have played them well 2 times this year. I believe that it is hard to beat a good team 3 times in one season; at this point, we are a good team. But, we got to get the Salukis first.

[jlandrus23]

Does anyone else remember what we did to WSU in St. Louis last year? I want a repeat of that game.

[ISUWillWinTheMVCTitle]

Does anyone else remember what we did to WSU in St. Louis last year?

I have a feeling that WSU remembers and that could be a bad sign for ISU, if they get past SIU.

[Daveinth]

Right now the Shockers are the hottest team probably in the midwest. We have to beat Southern another one of the bad losses we had this year . If we manage that then the key to the next game will be for Myles to have another great performance as he did last year. Stutz has improved so much this year I think it makes the POY a tougher decsion than many thought its really a three man race and if it was not for the LOVEFEST that the confrence has with DOUGIE and HIS DADDY this race would be alot closer.

[nwi stater]

The song I been playing all week end by Journey "DON"T STOP BELIEVIN"

This would be a great theme song for March Madness........................................... ...................





1 at a time boyz,,1 at a time..........

[give me heart]

I have a feeling that WSU remembers and that could be a bad sign for ISU, if they get past SIU.

go troll else where, please.

[TH_Sycamore12]

Does anyone else remember what we did to WSU in St. Louis last year? I want a repeat of that game.

Don't look too far ahead. One game at a time.

[SycamoreLynch]

I was at the NBA All Star weekend in Orlando this weekend. I got a chance to talk to Kemba Walker at halftime. I asked him about his conference tournament last year in the Big East. I said "Kemba, you had to win 5 games in 5 days in a power basketball conference. Did you think you guys had a shot?"
He told me he knew it would be tough. But Coach Calhoun keep preaching to the team to take it one game at a time. They would be playing 5 great teams in 5 days. Kemba then told me that he had a decision to make. He could just forget about it and go pro. Or he could hush the critics that doubted them.
His team ended up winning that tournament and well, hopefully you know the rest of the story.

A. I was not a All Star Weekend (you couldn't pay me to watch that garbage they call basketball)
B. I know we don't compare to UConn, but think about the run they made. They had an extra game in a way stronger conference. It can be done.

Let's go Trees!!

[Jason Svoboda]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width=350><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid; FONT-SIZE: 1.2em; BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid">Rank and Records</TD><TH style="BORDER-BOTTOM: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)" bgColor=#84263c align=center>SIU</TH><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid" width=3>
</TD><TH style="BORDER-BOTTOM: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)" bgColor=#0142bc align=center>ISU</TH></TR><TR><TH style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid">RPI</TH><TD align=center>#245</TD><TD>
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid" align=center>#131</TD></TR><TR><TH style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid">Strength of Schedule</TH><TD align=center>#103</TD><TD>
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid" align=center>#131</TD></TR><TR><TH style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid">Overall</TH><TD align=center>8-22</TD><TD>
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid" align=center>17-13</TD></TR><TR><TH style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid">Conference</TH><TD align=center>5-13</TD><TD>
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid" align=center>8-10</TD></TR><TR><TH style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid">Home</TH><TD align=center>6-8</TD><TD>
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid" align=center>11-3</TD></TR><TR><TH style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid">Away</TH><TD align=center>2-11</TD><TD>
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid" align=center>4-9</TD></TR><TR><TH style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid">Top 25</TH><TD align=center>0-2</TD><TD>
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid" align=center>0-2</TD></TR><TR><TH style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid">RPI Top 50</TH><TD align=center>0-6</TD><TD>
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid" align=center>1-4</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Jason Svoboda]

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 1em" class="stats sortable" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3><THEAD><TR><TH>
</TH><TH>
</TH><TH>PPG</TH><TH>FG%</TH><TH>FT%</TH><TH>3P%</TH><TH>RPG</TH><TH>ORPG</TH><TH>DRPG</TH><TH>APG</TH><TH>TPG</TH><TH>SPG</TH><TH>BPG</TH><TH>FPG</TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><TD align=center>http://images1.statsheet.com/images/teams/southern-illinois.gif</TD><TD noWrap align=left>SIU </TD><TD>63.1</TD><TD>41.6</TD><TD>63.5</TD><TD>28.3</TD><TD>32.6</TD><TD>12.0</TD><TD>20.6</TD><TD>11.8</TD><TD>14.0</TD><TD>7.5</TD><TD>3.4</TD><TD>21.6</TD></TR><TR style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><TD align=center>http://images3.statsheet.com/images/teams/indiana-state.png</TD><TD noWrap align=left>ISU </TD><TD>64.9</TD><TD>42.1</TD><TD>72.7</TD><TD>34.7</TD><TD>32.8</TD><TD>9.0</TD><TD>23.9</TD><TD>12.3</TD><TD>12.3</TD><TD>5.8</TD><TD>3.1</TD><TD>16.7</TD></TR><TR style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><TD align=center>http://images4.statsheet.com/images/teams/southern-illinois.gif</TD><TD noWrap align=left>SIU Opponents </TD><TD>69.3</TD><TD>46.7</TD><TD>70.2</TD><TD>39.8</TD><TD>34.0</TD><TD>9.6</TD><TD>24.4</TD><TD>11.5</TD><TD>15.2</TD><TD>6.7</TD><TD>2.8</TD><TD>18.0</TD></TR><TR style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><TD align=center>http://images3.statsheet.com/images/teams/indiana-state.png</TD><TD noWrap align=left>ISU Opponents </TD><TD>65.0</TD><TD>42.9</TD><TD>73.7</TD><TD>36.8</TD><TD>32.9</TD><TD>8.6</TD><TD>24.3</TD><TD>12.3</TD><TD>12.3</TD><TD>5.8</TD><TD>2.5</TD><TD>18.9</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Jason Svoboda]

Box scores from our 2 meetings this year:

http://statsheet.com/mcb/games/2012/01/13/indiana-state-67-southern-illinois-73
http://statsheet.com/mcb/games/2012/02/11/southern-illinois-68-indiana-state-78

[Jason Svoboda]

Don't look too far ahead. One game at a time.
Considering we split the series and it took us setting 3 NCAA shooting records to win the second meeting, I'm cautiously optimistic. We've got to keep these guys off the offensive glass in St. Louis. Can't let them have 3-4 guys scoring in double figures. No easy looks.

[Jason Svoboda]

Interesting side plot to the game... this could be Chris Lowery's last game. Could we get a spirited effort from the Salukis to defend their coach and his, what looks like inevitable firing?

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/high-school/boys-basketball/apathy-becomes-big-concern-at-siuc/article_316abb95-dc26-5297-9c8f-5554c571cd9e.html

[IndyTreeFan]

I like what their athletic director said about fan anger. It's better for fans to be angry than for them to be apathetic. That's what killed us for 20 years.

They'll be back...

[jlandrus23]

I have a feeling that if SIU is down at half, that they can make a run at us like they did in the HC. We need to pounce on them early and not let them back in the game so we can rest JO and some of our other key contributors and let Gant and Kitchell get some quality time out there.

[Jason Svoboda]

I like what their athletic director said about fan anger. It's better for fans to be angry than for them to be apathetic. That's what killed us for 20 years.

They'll be back...
Yep. Those comments pretty much indicated he's gone in my eyes. They've shown they are willing to pay for coaches, too, so they'll likely try to find a solid replacement.

[ISU_TREE_FAN]

Interesting side plot to the game... this could be Chris Lowery's last game. Could we get a spirited effort from the Salukis to defend their coach and his, what looks like inevitable firing?

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/high-school/boys-basketball/apathy-becomes-big-concern-at-siuc/article_316abb95-dc26-5297-9c8f-5554c571cd9e.html

I'm told that most past and present players hate him as much as the fans do so don't expect that to happen. If they do beat us though maybe they will keep him another year or two.........not good for them but always like it when we were losing like crazy and opposing coaches would always tell the press what a heck of a great coach we had?

[Bluethunder]

Bruce Webber will be available. How weird would that be?

[Sycamore Proud]

Bruce Webber will be available. How weird would that be?

More like disgusting in my opinion.

[Patriot_Sycamore]

Any tv coverage for Thursday?

[BlueBleeder]

MVC TV/ Fox Sports Midwest

[Bluethunder]

MVC TV/ Fox Sports Midwest

Interesting thing is that Fox Midwest is only showing the first game of the night and then going to a St. L Blues hockey game. If our game runs long I wonder if they would cut it off to go to hockey? I notice that Fox Sports Chicago is showing both. I guess I will be watching that channel instead of Midwest.

[Bally #46]

Another advantage of Dish Net because it will also be covered on ALT channels.

[jlandrus23]

If the Pacers are playing that night on TWC, then those TWC customers will be stuck watching the Pacers, like me. Will it be offered online like the MVC website?

[KBASSER]

If the Pacers are playing that night on TWC, then those TWC customers will be stuck watching the Pacers, like me. Will it be offered online like the MVC website?
GOSYCAMORES.COM list the Thursday game on ESPN3.COM too.

[ISU_TREE_FAN]

Interesting thing is that Fox Midwest is only showing the first game of the night and then going to a St. L Blues hockey game. If our game runs long I wonder if they would cut it off to go to hockey? I notice that Fox Sports Chicago is showing both. I guess I will be watching that channel instead of Midwest.

You know they would cut it off for Blues Hockey..................on a good note though for me is that the Pacers are not scheduled on Thursday night. I have not seen a game on MVC/TV this season because of Pacers pre-empting or it was a home game and I was there.

Also the FirstRowSports site is back up & operating offshore from the UE:

http://www.firstrowsports.eu/sport/basketball.html

[BankShot]

[QUOTE=ISU_TREE_FAN;128241... always like it when we were losing like crazy and opposing coaches would always tell the press what a heck of a great coach we had?[/QUOTE]

That's how the "Good ol' Boyz" network works...just ask Sycamorebacker.:D

If you're an opposing MVC coach and have been kick'n the holy -hit out of an opponet for years, why would you want 'em to upgrade? You just keep feeding them the most high protein bull-hit available to maintain your upper hand!

[Quabachi]

FYI....the tip off for this game is 6:05pm CST.....not EST, right?

[LoyalAlum]

FYI....the tip off for this game is 6:05pm CST.....not EST, right?

Correct!

[KC Shox]

Hey ISU fans, we are looking forward to the game - kind of. Garrett Stutz is very ill with some sort of stomach bug. He took 3 liters of fluid via I.V. yesterday and can't keep anything down. Joe Ragland is battling concussion symptoms sustained from our Illinois State game plus has a sinus infection. Coach Marshall has bronchitis. David Kyles is also ill as well.

If things don't change for the better rapidly with these guys, you might be facing us with 3 of our starters not at 100 percent. Good for you, bad for us. Heck, even at full strength we know how well you played us - this sickness situation is very concerning.

[SycamoreFan317]

Hey ISU fans, we are looking forward to the game - kind of. Garrett Stutz is very ill with some sort of stomach bug. He took 3 liters of fluid via I.V. yesterday and can't keep anything down. Joe Ragland is battling concussion symptoms sustained from our Illinois State game plus has a sinus infection. Coach Marshall has bronchitis. David Kyles is also ill as well.

If things don't change for the better rapidly with these guys, you might be facing us with 3 of our starters not at 100 percent. Good for you, bad for us. Heck, even at full strength we know how well you played us - this sickness situation is very concerning.

This is nice to know, but if we don't get past game one it won't matter. Check back on Thurs. night and maybe we can start a dialogue.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Hey ISU fans, we are looking forward to the game - kind of. Garrett Stutz is very ill with some sort of stomach bug. He took 3 liters of fluid via I.V. yesterday and can't keep anything down. Joe Ragland is battling concussion symptoms sustained from our Illinois State game plus has a sinus infection. Coach Marshall has bronchitis. David Kyles is also ill as well.

If things don't change for the better rapidly with these guys, you might be facing us with 3 of our starters not at 100 percent. Good for you, bad for us. Heck, even at full strength we know how well you played us - this sickness situation is very concerning.

This is all fine and good but I am not convinced that we will get past Southern. As tough as we have played you all, Southern has played us equally well.

[ISUCC]

Hey ISU fans, we are looking forward to the game - kind of. Garrett Stutz is very ill with some sort of stomach bug. He took 3 liters of fluid via I.V. yesterday and can't keep anything down. Joe Ragland is battling concussion symptoms sustained from our Illinois State game plus has a sinus infection. Coach Marshall has bronchitis. David Kyles is also ill as well.

If things don't change for the better rapidly with these guys, you might be facing us with 3 of our starters not at 100 percent. Good for you, bad for us. Heck, even at full strength we know how well you played us - this sickness situation is very concerning.


This is nice to know, but if we don't get past game one it won't matter. Check back on Thurs. night and maybe we can start a dialogue.

yeah, no kidding, it is certainly NO given we're gonna get past SIU tomorrow night, so this is irrelevant for us at this point.

I would never wish ill will on any team, we actually need WSU to do well (for MVC purposes) so we can continue to get multiple bids to the NCAA tourney folks.

[give me heart]

yeah, no kidding, it is certainly NO given we're gonna get past SIU tomorrow night, so this is irrelevant for us at this point.

I would never wish ill will on any team, we actually need WSU to do well (for MVC purposes) so we can continue to get multiple bids to the NCAA tourney folks.

So are you ok with the trees losing to the shockers to make sure the valley gets multiple bids? I for one don't care if they are healthy or sick. Winning each game one at a time is what I want the blue crew to do. We've had our sicknesses and injuries like every team. Lace 'em up boys and play every game like its your last.

[Sycamore Proud]

So are you ok with the trees losing to the shockers to make sure the valley gets multiple bids? I for one don't care if they are healthy or sick. Winning each game one at a time is what I want the blue crew to do. We've had our sicknesses and injuries like every team. Lace 'em up boys and play every game like its your last.

I think the Shockers make it regardless of Arch Madness outcome. The only way Creighton,or any other Valley team, makes it is to win in St. Louis.

[LoyalAlum]

I think the Shockers make it regardless of Arch Madness outcome. The only way Creighton,or any other Valley team, makes it is to win in St. Louis.

I think Creighton is in regardless.

[IndyTreeFan]

I think Creighton is in regardless.

Agree. Creighton is in regardless of their performance in St. Louis...

[Southgrad07]

I think the Shockers make it regardless of Arch Madness outcome. The only way Creighton,or any other Valley team, makes it is to win in St. Louis.

If creighton doesnt make it in the tournament I think all of Omaha might lose their minds and rightfully so. Even if they go out in the first round they are looking at a 8 or 9 seed IMO

[Sycamore Proud]

So are we agreeing that the Valley, depending on Arch Madness, could have 3 teams in? I know many said that early in the season. A few weeks ago we were saying MVC was overrated. Is it back to 3 teams in? A meltdown in Omaha or Wichita--would break my heart.

[Bluethunder]

Will be three teams if someone other than Creighton or the Shox wins in St. L. Creighton is now ranked in the top 25 again in both poles, no way the do not make the field. Even if they lose in first round they would probably be a 10 or 11 seed. Lose in semis and they will be a 8 or 9, finals and they will be a 7 or 8 and if they win the tourney I think they could make it up to a 5, but probably more like a 6 seed.

Joe Lunardi eat your heart out, your job ain't so tough!!!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

So are you ok with the trees losing to the shockers to make sure the valley gets multiple bids? I for one don't care if they are healthy or sick. Winning each game one at a time is what I want the blue crew to do. We've had our sicknesses and injuries like every team. Lace 'em up boys and play every game like its your last.

That is not what he was saying at all. Clearly you would have to know CC to know hendrives across the country to see hoops, football, Xcode and track meets every year - the diehards of the diehards. Not suggesting anything of the sort, just to clear that up for you.

[Coach]

Hey ISU fans, we are looking forward to the game - kind of. Garrett Stutz is very ill with some sort of stomach bug. He took 3 liters of fluid via I.V. yesterday and can't keep anything down. Joe Ragland is battling concussion symptoms sustained from our Illinois State game plus has a sinus infection. Coach Marshall has bronchitis. David Kyles is also ill as well.

If things don't change for the better rapidly with these guys, you might be facing us with 3 of our starters not at 100 percent. Good for you, bad for us. Heck, even at full strength we know how well you played us - this sickness situation is very concerning.

So let's see, 1st post, a Shocker health report? Is this Shocker Coach Marshall or one of his cronies lurking on our board? Think I wouldn't take this info to the track for a horse race or a basketball game? Makes no difference anyway. You have to play the game with what you have at gametime. No excuses. See Jake Odom.

[Quabachi]

Hey ISU fans, we are looking forward to the game - kind of. Garrett Stutz is very ill with some sort of stomach bug. He took 3 liters of fluid via I.V. yesterday and can't keep anything down. Joe Ragland is battling concussion symptoms sustained from our Illinois State game plus has a sinus infection. Coach Marshall has bronchitis. David Kyles is also ill as well.

If things don't change for the better rapidly with these guys, you might be facing us with 3 of our starters not at 100 percent. Good for you, bad for us. Heck, even at full strength we know how well you played us - this sickness situation is very concerning.

Good luck to you in the tournament, I hope we get to play you and looking forward to it being a good game. And congrats on a great season. Here's to hoping for three teams from the MVC in the NCAA.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

It will be interesting to see what kind of energy that Richard, Lathan, JP and Walker bring to St. Louis. Although we lost vs. Creighton I thought all 4 played fairly well - of those guys Lathan probably struggled the most in that game. I know Carl had a rough go of it early on inside the paint, to his credit he wasn't settling for jumpers, going inside banging - I'd like him to keep doing that in St. Louis. JP needs to shoot well, really well and Walker needs to play with the desire that he played with Creighton.

I am not looking past any team - you have to beat Southern to even make it to WSU. 1 game at a time, 4 games 4 days and hopefully 4 wins! It starts tonight!

SYCAMORES!

[Coach]

If needed, this site has moved offshore and has been available recently

http://www.firstrowsports.eu/sport/basketball.html

[Sackalot]

Haven't read a word of this thread. I just wanted to point out my deep hatred of Carbondale. SIU itself, decent school with a good history, Carbondale a festering pool of crap! Makes TH look like the golden city. Can't stand Carbondale at all!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

So does this game start at 7:00 Terre Haute time or 6:00 Terre Haute time? My understanding is that it doesn't start until 7:00 - correct or no?

[treeman]

is the game going to be broadcasted in the wabash valley?

[SycamoreStateofMind]

is the game going to be broadcasted in the wabash valley?

ESPN3 and Fox Sports Midwest. So yes!

[LoyalAlum]

So does this game start at 7:00 Terre Haute time or 6:00 Terre Haute time? My understanding is that it doesn't start until 7:00 - correct or no?

You are correct, sir!

[Jason Svoboda]

ESPN3 and Fox Sports Midwest. So yes!

It is subject to blackout on ESPN3 because it is on FSM I believe.

[ISU_TREE_FAN]

Twitter messages from a couple of guys who ended in style last season…………………..

Twitter - Isiah League Bound Martin

Just tryna bring my boys a lil inspiration...you guys are very capable of making this run so let's do it...seniors pull ur team together And don't let this be the last week you guys play together...1 Dream 1 Team go be great...Love and Miss you guys a lot I'll be watching and be there n spirit... — with Dwayne Lathan and 3 others.



One day at a time, take it one day at a time! Game 1 Southern Illinois...take care of them...




Aaron Carter

good luck tonight sycamores. first of four.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

LOL that they said Walker was shooting and gave him the and 1.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

That was a piss poor close out by Eitel. Bocot goes right past him and reverse layup good.

Southern leads 7-5

[SycamoreStateofMind]

First media timeout and we have missed some easy shots. Walker has missed from point blank, Odum has missed in close, Lathan has missed in close and Richard had his man beat off the bounce and he lost the ball...

Not what I would call a good start.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

RJ has now also missed inside the paint.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Odum with a nice pass to Eitel for an assist 8-7 Sycamores

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Odum comes back with a poor ass close out of his own and he fouled a shooter... Basics

[SycamoreStateofMind]

RJ now with 2 missed free throws... This is awesome! That rim also sounds amazing...

[Southgrad07]

grosssssssssssss

[SycamoreStateofMind]

RJ follows that with a steal and then turnover on a poor pass to Odum.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

RJ follows that with a mis timed rebound attempt that went off him, another possession for Southern.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Odum great move - got hit, no call. Second time he has been hit with no call.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Odum boards, goes length of the floor and banks it in - once again foul could have been called, was not.

[jlandrus23]

Looks like Odum is gonna carry us tonight. Richard already has 2 fouls and is on the bench.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Anyone else watching? Talking? about this game... Feel like I'm talking to myself. lol

[SycamoreStateofMind]

RJ 1 of 4 from the line... WAKE UP!

[bbpride]

Why did they take Odum out after he was doing good and why was Eitel bringing down?

[jlandrus23]

I'm watching the game on TV here in my dorm room.

Let's go ISU!!!!!:sycamores:

[bbpride]

I hope it was just because Odum needed a break because if not, there goes Lansing with that strange subbing again.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Why did they take Odum out after he was doing good and why was Eitel bringing down?

They took Odum out because if they are going to win 4 games in 4 days they are going to need production from everyone on that bench. Others are going to have to step up or your not going to win 4 games in 4 days.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Man we can't get a damn call - they coulda done called 3 offensive fouls on SIU and they have called all 3 blocking fouls. Not really thrilled with the way this game has been called this far.

[IndyTreeFan]

The whole team is going to foul out if they don't watch it! Typical Saluki basketball. Need Kitch and Gant to produce BIG TIME!!!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

We are bleeping 2 of 9 from in the paint as Lathan misses another layup. Good lord

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Printy banks in a 3 - the worst looking 3 of his career. We will take it!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Announcer thinks the Sycamores are 14 for last 14 on 3's vs. Southern IL - not true, JP missed a 3 on the Odum pass 2 possessions ago. Pay attention.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Sycamores leading with RJ, Walker and Carl all with 2 fouls.

[Southgrad07]

let kitchell get some time! We need to use the bench a lot if we are going to win 4 in 4.

[bent20]

Told a friend today we win this game easy if we play like we want it. Didn't think of the other possibility - SIU just wanting its season to mercifully end.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

On the bright side, Under 8 media timeout and we have held Southern to just 11 points.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Great pass by Steve - bad D by Southern

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Steve and Sycamores follow that with great D possession

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Sycamores pound it inside and Gant has given the Sycamores a big lift! Got a few rebounds on one possession and for his effort gets the and 1 but misses the free throw. MAKE YOUR FREE THROWS!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Sycamores lead 22-17. The lead should be bigger, Sycamores have not played well IMO.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Another great pass from Steve to Kitch for the lay in! Again below average D from Southern.

[bent20]

Would be nice if we could somehow get a blowout win and rest the starters for tomorrow. I just knocked on wood to prevent the jinx.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Steve doesn't need to settle for a long jumper. Last guy on the floor I want to settle for the long jumper this season. Just hasn't shot the ball well.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Steve shooting 25% from 3 point on the season and 39% from the field on the season - why would he settle for the long range jumper? Don't know...

[Southgrad07]

Steve doesn't need to settle for a long jumper. Last guy on the floor I want to settle for the long jumper this season. Just hasn't shot the ball well.

yep. And kitchell was open again on a roll toward the basket

[bbpride]

Steve doesn't need to settle for a long jumper. Last guy on the floor I want to settle for the long jumper this season. Just hasn't shot the ball well.

He's only taken one shot so far, cut him some slack!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

He's only taken one shot so far, cut him some slack!

I've called the game as I've seen it strait up with every player. I haven't been overly critical of any player. Cut me some slack. It wasn't a good shot - fact!

[bbpride]

He's only taken one shot so far, cut him some slack!

Guess we don't have to worry now, he's out!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Sycamores work the shot clock way down - good D by Southern and Odum shoots an air ball. Back to back poor possession by 13. Turnover and then airball.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Guess we don't have to worry now, he's out!

Actually he is back in - he's been getting to the rim. MUST keep doing that and he will be fine.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Gant has been impressive. A big league move to the rim and the lay up is good. 4 points for him the first half to go with a hand full of rebounds.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Lathan assist to Kitch for the layup and he also has 4! Both youngsters have played well!

[bbpride]

Actually he is back in - he's been getting to the rim. MUST keep doing that and he will be fine.

Well I'll give it to anyone who can get their rhythm if they keep getting pulled in and out!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

You go 2 for 1 here? Quick pick and roll and try and get toward the rim? I would - or maybe a backdoor or back screen? Southern has over played us big time, we need to take advantage. Southern is NOT going to let the 3 pointer beat them.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Well I'll give it to anyone who can get their rhythm if they keep getting pulled in and out!

Hey cut the coach some slack - he's got 3 big men in foul trouble and he's got a deep bench. You think you could do a better job?

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Hey cut the coach some slack - he's got 3 big men in foul trouble and he's got a deep bench. You think you could do a better job?

On que... See coaches comments, got guys in foul trouble... Also driving to the bucket. Interesting!

[bbpride]

Hey cut the coach some slack - he's got 3 big men in foul trouble and he's got a deep bench. You think you could do a better job?

You don't know, perhaps I could!!! lol

[Jason Svoboda]

30-23 at the half. That's pretty solid considering the foul trouble, missing the bunnies and giving SIU quite a few offensive boards. I thought Kitchell and Gant did a great job holding down the fort. Still don't understand why they don't post feed Gant. He's shown he can finish at the rim twice and he only seems to get the ball 15+ feet away from the basket... don't like that at all. Kitch active as usual!

[bent20]

Nice to have the lead at the half. Let's put them away!

[LoudNProud]

Not pretty all the way around the court, but I will take a game where we lead at halftime any day of the week. An ugly W is a W.

[IndyTreeFan]

Here's to a second half exactly like the first. Or better...:wordyo:

[Jason Svoboda]

SIU didn't bring a band? I've only heard the Sycamore band thus far. They've also got a lot of camera time.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Here's to a second half exactly like the first. Or better...:wordyo:

I would like to see us play better.

SIU is playing no help D - teams have been shooting lights out vs. them, it's clear to me that they are not going to let the 3 point shot beat them. We need to take advantage of this. If we can keep shooting layups then we need to attack the rim and finish. We have missed a lot of shots we shouldn't have missed at the rim along with 4 missed free throws. We should be winning by double digits easy!

[KAPat1865]

Just got home from work. Glad to see us playing tough. Looks like we need to clean up the offense..... If we are playing on Sunday I'm making a road trip..... Go Trees!!!!!!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

You don't know, perhaps I could!!! lol

I don't know, that's why I asked... My guess would be that you couldn't - but who knows. Again I stress, tonights game is important because it's one game at a time. But in the grand scheme of things its like a cross country race, if you blow all your energy in the first half of the race your not going to have anything left when you need it. That's great if we win 1 or 2 games - but we need to win 4. A lot of guys are going to get a look this weekend.

[IndyTreeFan]

I would like to see us play better.

I just want us to win. That's all I'm sayin'...

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Odum to the rim with a pair from the line. Nice to see since we were 2 of 6 from the line in the first half.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Walker wide open around the rim and he decides to put the ball on the floor. On second look, great help side by MommaDo

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Carl with a big 3 with a hand in the face. Sycs up 9

[Callmedoc]

Walker wide open around the rim and he decides to put the ball on the floor. On second look, great help side by MommaDo

He would be so much better as a 4...

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Couple of tough shots, by Odum and by Carl missed opportunities for Sycamores

[SycamoreStateofMind]

He would be so much better as a 4...

Well he has not been very good in this one, whatever number he is.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

13 really forcing it tonight, not like him.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

37-28 Sycamores as we continue to shoot layup after layup.

[Callmedoc]

Well he has not been very good in this one, whatever number he is.

Remember the matchup

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Southern with a good play out of the timeout.

On the other end, Sycamores turn it over out of the timeout. How do you not draw something up in a Full TO Greg?

[IndyTreeFan]

Get em down, let em back in, repeat...:verysad:

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Remember the matchup

The matchup has little to do with him being able to hold on to the basketball.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

RJ has struggled mightily all well Lansing sits Kitch and Gant who played very well in the first half on the bench? Why? I have no idea?

Does he not recognize that Southern is playing NO help D.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

I am siding with BBPride this half - Lansing brings in Kitch, he gets beat once and he goes back with Walker. Maybe a defensive move on his part - Walker comes in and misses another shot. Ughh

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Great pass by Carl and finally Walker finishes at the rim.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Steve has had 3 GREAT passes going toward the basket on dribble penetration.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Walker with 6 strait points and a lift! He gets away with that hook every now and again and the Sycamores have 32, yes 32 points in the paint.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Gant comes in provides good D and shot clock violation on SIU.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Walker has been good at times and very bad at times. This time down he gets doubled and has Gant wide open on opposite block and can't see Gant - low IQ play on his part. You gotta be able to see the floor - you got to know what's open.

[bent20]

Now let's finish this, please!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Odum has forced it at times tonight but other than that he has been pretty good in this one. I think he has 14.

[bent20]

Odum has forced it at times tonight but other than that he has been pretty good in this one. I think he has 14.

He does. And six rebounds.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

We can't put these guys away and Walker continues to be hard to watch in this one. WOW!

[bbpride]

Steve has had 3 GREAT passes going toward the basket on dribble penetration.

Stats are only showing him with 2 assists and I know he's had more than that! I'm glad you noticed about the subbing because it can be any given player at any given time!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Odum has been at the rim so many times tonight and passes the ball out. I usually don't pass judgement on his decision making but it has been poor most of the night.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Stats are only showing him with 2 assists and I know he's had more than that! I'm glad you noticed about the subbing because it can be any given player at any given time!

I notice everything...

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Odum has been at the rim so many times tonight and passes the ball out. I usually don't pass judgement on his decision making but it has been poor most of the night.

Then he follows with a tough jumper that was big for the Sycamores as we hadn't scored in 4 strait trips.

[SycamoreFan317]

I do not care how pretty we win as long as we win. The name of the game is win and advance style points do not count.

[bbpride]

Don't tell me they're going to let this one slip away! If so, it's not only on the players but the coach big time! Didn't Odum just make a basketball and now he's out!!!

[bent20]

Can we hang on?

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Carl Richard goes bone head on the Sycamores again stepping over the line on the in bounds pass. WAKE UP CARL!

[bent20]

Don't tell me they're going to let this one slip away! If so, it's not only on the players but the coach big time! Didn't Odum just make a basketball and now he's out!!!

He does have to rest some time.

[Southgrad07]

wow. Really losing focus now. Come on guys dont let up now

[SycamoreStateofMind]

I MEAN WAKE UP! You can't do that this late in the game dude. You can't be serious right now.

[Eleven]

Don't tell me they're going to let this one slip away! If so, it's not only on the players but the coach big time! Didn't Odum just make a basketball and now he's out!!!

He was out in advance of the media time out...pretty good management I think.

[SycamoreFan317]

Don't tell me they're going to let this one slip away! If so, it's not only on the players but the coach big time! Didn't Odum just make a basketball and now he's out!!!

Stop it! We are ahead.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Lathan with a nice pass to Walker on the roll, the hoop and the harm! We needed that!

[Southgrad07]

lathan even though he cant shoot it at all tonight has been great at finding teammates

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Southern will not go away... This is brutal.

[bbpride]

Stop it! We are ahead.

I know and I'm glad! We better get it together though and quick! It's close and there's too much time left!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Get a stop here fellas!

[SycamoreStateofMind]

I know and I'm glad! We better get it together though and quick! It's close and there's too much time left!

Ball Game!

[ISUCC]

as disappointing as our MVC season was, we're still gonna have a minimum of 18 wins

[ISUCC]

imagine Seck if he were actually on a good team, that guy is really good

[SycamoreStateofMind]

1 down and 3 to go...

[SycamoreFan317]

I know and I'm glad! We better get it together though and quick! It's close and there's too much time left!

What did you say?

[gostate03]

Get some rest, going to need to bring the A game, and then some, at noon on friday!

[bent20]

Nice to at least pull away at the end. Good win. Hoping for a minor miracle tomorrow. Let's keep it rolling Sycamores!

[ISUCC]

all right guys, rest up and be ready at noon tomorrow!

:sycamores:

[ISUCC]

we'll need an A+++ game tomorrow


Get some rest, going to need to bring the A game, and then some, at noon on friday!

[SycamoreFan317]

One down! Let's get back to the motel and get some rest. :sycamores::sycamores:

[SycamoreStateofMind]

One down! Let's get back to the motel and get some rest. :sycamores::sycamores:

Agreed! Guess they are probably staying at a Hotel, not a motel - but either way... lol

[SycamoreFan317]

Agreed! Guess they are probably staying at a Hotel, not a motel - but either way... lol

I don't care if they are staying in the arch just get some rest.

[nwi stater]

final score guys????

[SycamoreStateofMind]

i don't care if they are staying in the arch just get some rest.

lol!

[bbpride]

What did you say?

I said exactly what they needed to do! They must have heard me because they got it done!!! lol

[SycamoreStateofMind]

final score guys????

Sycamores 66 SIU 51

Much closer than the final score shows.

Sycamores (like they have all season) play to the level of the competition. We play really well or we play really bad. Good to get one under our belt, but we will have to play much better if we are going to win tomorrow. Wish I didn't have to work tomorrow - doubt I get to watch any of the game.

[SycamoreFan317]

final score guys????

66-51

ISU Women lead SIU 46-27 win 17 minutes left.......could be a double whammy

[meistro]

Ugly at times, but great defense. Does anybody else scream at the tv when Jake passes up those lay ups to throw it out top for a three? Somebody needs to show him the tape of that. But I still want him out there all the time.

[meistro]

Good to see Kitchell and Gant play well tonight, thought they should have got more time in the second half. If they can work on their post defense they could have good seasons next year.

[Gotta Hav]

as disappointing as our MVC season was, we're still gonna have a minimum of 18 wins

I'll take 18, but it should be how many wins? What do ya think....should we have 20 or 22 wins, or more?

We should have NEVER lost to Bradley and SIU this year...so there's 20 wins right there.

[Gotta Hav]

Good to see Kitchell and Gant play well tonight, thought they should have got more time in the second half. If they can work on their post defense they could have good seasons next year.

And Walker was a beast inside in the 2nd half. Maybe he can have another run in the MVC tournament, like he did last year.

[Eleven]

Ugly at times, but great defense. Does anybody else scream at the tv when Jake passes up those lay ups to throw it out top for a three? Somebody needs to show him the tape of that. But I still want him out there all the time.

Only everyone in my house...
We play better when he looks to score...

[Chief_Quabachi]

sycamores take only 7 three point shots, making 3. Was glad to see them attacking the basket. It was clear that was the game plan...it didn't just happen that way.

As for tomorrow v.s. WSU, not so sure they can use that game plan. Will probably need a strong outside game to loosen up the paint area.

[ISUCC]

I'll take 18, but it should be how many wins? What do ya think....should we have 20 or 22 wins, or more?

We should have NEVER lost to Bradley and SIU this year...so there's 20 wins right there.

we had MSU beat at home, we had Creighton beat at home, we also had ILS beaten at their place before that epic collapse the last 4 minutes of that game. there's 3 more wins. Win those 5 games there and we're looking at 13-5 in MVC play.

But it's in the past now.

[meistro]

Eitel has become a very important player off the bench. He plays good defense, hits the open 3 and he doesn't turn the ball over. I'm very comfortable with him on the floor.

[Gotta Hav]

we had MSU beat at home, we had Creighton beat at home, we also had ILS beaten at their place before that epic collapse the last 4 minutes of that game. there's 3 more wins. Win those 5 games there and we're looking at 13-5 in MVC play.

But it's in the past now.

True....but it still pains me to think that we could have easily won 23 games this season.

If we could some how miraculously win this tournament, no one will ever remember those losses. We will just remember back-to-back MVC Tournament Championships!!!

[treeman]

wasn't the prettiest game but i'll take it. wasn't too physical or emotional hopefully that is to our advantage against wsu tomorrow. we just needed to get by SIU and we did. i think maybe the guys were looking a head just a little bit, but hey we have played good against wsu both games, lets see what will happen.

[Bally #46]

I was so busy discussing the "Ambiguous Woodland Creature" that I ALMOST forgot to mention that it was a GREAT win Sycamores. I wasn't able to watch the entire game but I felt they were in control throughout the game when I did watch. I also liked what I heard from Coach Lansing during a couple of interviews. I know he is a "sophomore" head coach and has a lot to learn, but I do feel the experience in St. Louis last year is helping him this year. I felt he looked cool, calm and collected. Anyone else feel that?

[Sycamore2011]

I agree with Bally.

Lansing says what he needs to say. He says what people want to hear, and he means it. He's got a very bright future as a head coach.

Although we didn't play well when we needed to at some points during the season, I feel like if he finds ways to win during the tournament, we may have something special.

Not to forget about couch Lou. He does a fantastic job prepping this team. Same with the rest of the coaches.

:sycamores:

[IndyTreeFan]

Oh my goodness, we're going to be on channel 13 sports in just a minute! Wow, they never cover us...

[Sycamore Proud]

Made channel 8 too.

[Bally #46]

Win tomorrow and they will be ALL OVER US~

[BrokerZ]

I'll take ugly. You don't win conference tournament championships by shooting your way to victory. Four games in four days requires stellar defense...you can't rely on scoring for that many games in a row. Defense has to be the constant.

[Quabachi]

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7636505

[Daveinth]

I noticed that JP played very little in this game. Not sure but I think he was on the bench all of the 2nd half if he got minutes in the 2nd half it was very limited . With the game plan that htey played I can see the reason why you rest him . Just found it interesting that he was a limited contributor in the 2nd half with the game not decided until late.

[Bally #46]

I think he was ill.

[Daveinth]

Ok that makes sense then I just noticed him on the bench and wondered why he wasnt in the game but Eitel was playing so much

[Eleven]

I think he was ill.

That's what they said in the pre-game. Didn't elaborate on it though..

[LoyalAlum]

He tweeted he was hit pretty badly by the flu.

[Daveinth]

Lets hope he is feeling better need all cylinders to be firing today ...