Southern (10-10, 3-4 MVC) is set to travel to Chicago to face co-league leader Loyola (12-8, 5-2 MVC) on Sunday with tip-off set for 3 p.m.

The Salukis are going into the game coming off a second half comeback against the University of Northern Iowa, which featured a five guard lineup most of the second half in the 70-62 win.

“I can’t fathom that [the] second half can’t propel us or help us in anyway, if it does anything it gives us confidence,” Barry Hinson, SIU head coach, said during a press conference Friday.

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On the other hand, the Ramblers are coming off a sound defeat against Missouri State where the Bears limited Loyola to nine rebounds and 14 turnovers in the 70-35 loss.

Southern leads the all time series between the two teams at 7-6 but recent history favors Loyola as they won both games against the Salukis last season.

The Ramblers are led by senior guard Marques Townes who is averaging 14.1 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Six-foot-nine sophomore center Cameron Krutwig has also been a force for Loyola averaging 13.5 points per game while shooting 64.8 percent from the floor.

The Salukis on the other hand are led by senior forward Armon Fletcher who is averaging 13.5 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Loyola has been their best at home this season having won ten straight games against Missouri Valley Conference opponents in Gentile Arena.

Both defenses have been among the best in the Valley, Southern leading the league in field goal percentage defense and Loyola leading in scoring defense.

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This game will feature a team who is looking to build off their 21 point comeback in Southern and Loyola looking to show why they were voted as the preseason favorite to win.

Sports editor Adam Warfel can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @warfel_adam.

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