Salukis keep adding to resume

By R.B. Fallstrom - Associated Press Sports Writer     Mar 3, 2007

? Rather than worry about the NCAA selection process, Southern Illinois is sticking to what it can control.

Jamaal Tatum and Matt Shaw had 19 points apiece, and the No. 11 Salukis won their 12th in a row, 71-59, over Drake in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament on Friday. That gives them another chance to build their resume.

“We’re talking about who we’re playing tomorrow,” coach Chris Lowery said. “We have to focus and not allow ourselves to panic.

“Once you do that, you start tightening up worrying about where you’re going to be seeded instead of winning the game.”

Shaw was 10-for-11 from the line, and Tony Young had 17 points and four assists for the top-seeded Salukis, who beat Drake (17-15) for the third time this season and the 17th straight time in the series.

The Bulldogs committed a season-high 22 turnovers.

“They don’t stop coming at you, they’re always there,” Drake’s Klayton Korver said. “You might get an open shot but you’re so used to having a guy right there that at times you rush it a little bit.”

Southern Illinois (26-5) will play Bradley, who beat Northern Iowa on Friday, in today’s semifinals. The Salukis split two regular-season meetings with the Braves.

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