For the second straight year, the top-seeded Southern Illinois Salukis have been shown the door at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament by SMS. And for the second straight year that victory has earned the Bears a spot in the MVC title game. SMS erased a 23-point deficit to down SIU 65-61 in the semifinals. Tamarr Maclin led the way with 19 points and 13 rebounds. None of his teammates had more than nine points or five rebounds. After allowing 42 points in the first half, the SMS defense clamped down and held the Salukis to just 19 points over the final 20 minutes of the game.
