SIUE vs. LSU
Thu., Nov. 26, 6 p.m.
Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis, Mo.

 

LAST NIGHT

A much-improved second half for SIUE wasn't enough to overcome a quick start from Saint Louis as the Billikens ran past the Cougars 89-52 Wednesday in the season-opener for both schools. The Billikens shot 56 percent over the first 20 minutes, including 50 percent from three-point range, and raced out to a 30-point lead at the break. Sidney Wilson paced the Cougars with 14 points and seven rebounds. 

 

OPENING ACT

Wednesday opened SIUE's 53rd basketball season. The Cougars fell to 24-29 in season openers.

 

BARONE SIGNED THROUGH 2024

On September 3, SIUE Director of Athletics Tim Hall announced the option on Head Coach Brian Barone's contract had been picked up, extending Barone through the 2023-2024 season. 

 

BARONE'S PEDIGREE

Brian's father is the late Tony Barone, Sr., who played at Duke before beginning his coaching career. After stops at Duke and Bradley as an assistant, Tony was the head coach at Creighton (1985-91) and Texas A&M (1991-1998). He also coached the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies during the 2006-07 season.

 

LOSS OF PRODUCTION

The Cougars lost nine total players from last year's team, including the top two scorers and three of the top five scorers. Offensively, that means the Cougars have lost 59 percent of their scoring. Additionally, SIUE lost three of its top five rebounders and 50 percent of its total rebounds from a season ago.

 

NEWCOMERS

The Cougars roster features seven newcomers. SIUE's highly-touted recruiting class includes Division I transfer Sidney Wilson (UConn) who was a top-75 recruit out of high school, Courtney Carter, who was a National Junior College Player of the Year and freshman Ray'Sean Taylor, Collinsville High's all-time leading scorer and an Illinois All-State selection.