by Sports Xchange

   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? We find out this season.

   Sophomore guard Kevin Dillard is the starting point. He took on a heavy burden last season and prospered. He averaged 12.2 points and made 45.2 percent of his three-pointers. An injury to senior Bryan Mullins put unexpected demands on Dillard. That experience should pay off.

   Transfer Tony Freeman should help Dillard immensely. Freeman averaged 13.8 points at Iowa in 2008. Expect him to start and give SIU one of the MVC's top backcourts. Ryan Hare and Justin Bocot are back. Both are the prototypical long-armed Salukis who can bother opponents with their defense. Both are good shooters who should improve with another year of experience.

   SIU's inside game should also improve. Junior Carlton Fay averaged 10.4 points. Foul trouble and poor shooting plagued him. Sophomore Anthony Booker is an athletic talent who showed signs of clicking late in the season. He went for 18 points and 11 rebounds against Indiana State and scored nine points in a tournament loss to Bradley. If Fay and Booker can play more consistently, SIU will be tough to beat.