If only for one night

It wasn't pretty, but it wasn't supposed to be. And for one night, the SIU men's basketball team returned to the form that has taken the program to new heights in its 64-48 win against Saint Louis.

A gritty performance by the Salukis (3-3) was a result of head coach Chirs Lowery's old-school practice style, which could have been sparked by a few words from one of SIU's seniors.

"Tony Boyle told me I was too soft," Lowery said. "I let some things slip, and that was on me. I needed to get back to coaching how I need to coach, and these kids responded."

Something needed to change, and it was obvious. Southern entered the game having allowed at least 70 points in each of its contests against Division I opponents. Against SLU, the Salukis only allowed 48 points.

During media availability Monday, Lowery said the team needed to play as hard on defense as it had on offense. For one night, it looked as if his team got the message.

While SIU won't be confused with those high-scoring UNLV teams of the early 90s, the "Floorburn U" style defense was back in the fold.

SIU bests Saint Louis in 64-48 win [Daily Egyptian]