By total luck, I got to see Benson and the Salukis play on Saturday night here in Des Moines against Drake. A friend of mine was given a few tickets last minute, so we decided to go. It was a good time and SIU to their credit played a fantastic game shooting 65% (13 of 20!!!) from the three point line and beating Drake 79-72. It was Drake's first loss at home since last season, breaking their 15 game home winning streak. SIU got up to a 20 point lead a few times in the second half, and Drake showed grit coming back to within 6 on two occasions before eventually losing by 7.
Benson played a nice game, and I think the MVC is a perfect level for him. He had 16 points and 6 boards, and he even got in on the 3 point action going 1 for 1 from behind the arc. He did struggle early as they went down low to him twice in the first four minutes, and both of his shots were blocked. But he then started to establish himself and he was a difference maker. Still struggled with fouls a bit, but ended the game with four fouls so he didn't foul out.
The Salukis started slow this season, but have now won five straight and are surprisingly tied for 2nd in the MVC- one game behind Northern Iowa. I'm happy for Barrett- always liked him as he seemed like a good teammate and a guy that just enjoyed life and being a part of the team. Would be fun to see him get to play in the NCAA tourney if somehow SIU can win the MVC tourney next month.
Benson played a nice game, and I think the MVC is a perfect level for him. He had 16 points and 6 boards, and he even got in on the 3 point action going 1 for 1 from behind the arc. He did struggle early as they went down low to him twice in the first four minutes, and both of his shots were blocked. But he then started to establish himself and he was a difference maker. Still struggled with fouls a bit, but ended the game with four fouls so he didn't foul out.
The Salukis started slow this season, but have now won five straight and are surprisingly tied for 2nd in the MVC- one game behind Northern Iowa. I'm happy for Barrett- always liked him as he seemed like a good teammate and a guy that just enjoyed life and being a part of the team. Would be fun to see him get to play in the NCAA tourney if somehow SIU can win the MVC tourney next month.