SIU men’s basketball finishes 2015 with one more non-conference opponent before kicking-off the Missouri Valley Conference schedule and starting 2016 with a tough game at home. 

The Salukis (10-2) close out their non-conference schedule with another regional rivalry with the Billikens (5-5) at 7 p.m. Monday at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis. 

SIU opened the season at Saint Louis last year with a 72-69 defeat, and have lost to the Billikens each of the last four seasons.

This year’s Billiken team is very balanced, as four players average between 10 and 12 points per game, two of which are starters: sophomore guard Miles Reynolds and senior guard Ash Yacoubou.

However, outside of those four, no player averages more than 6.5 points per game, so depth may be an issue for the Billikens. Five Salukis average more than 6.5 points per game.

Offensively, the Billikens run their offense through Reynolds, who leads the team in points and assists per game at 11.9 and 3.9, respectively. 

Saint Louis excels at getting to the free-throw line, earning about one free throw for every two field goal attempts. With the foul issues the Salukis have had this season, committing the 10th most fouls in the country at 281, SIU’s bench may be crucial.

Sean Carley can be reached at 618-536-3304, [email protected] or on Twitter @SCarleyDE.