Preview: So Indiana at SIUE

The Battle of the Mid-Majors: SIUE vs Indiana

In a matchup that promises to be a thrilling contest between two mid-major powerhouses, the Southeastern Illinois University (SIUE) Cougars are set to face off against the Indiana University-Bloomington Hoosiers. The stage is set for an exciting clash of styles as these teams look to prove themselves on the hardwood.

The SIUE Cougars have been on a tear lately, with a 3-2 stretch that saw them take down W Illinois, E Illinois, and Eureka, before falling to W Michigan and North Florida. Led by the talented Ring Malith, who has been putting up impressive numbers all season long (18.3 PPG), SIUE looks like a force to be reckoned with in the OVC.

On the other hand, the Indiana University-Bloomington Hoosiers have struggled of late, with a 1-4 stretch that included losses to Morehead St, Little Rock, and Kentucky St. Despite this, the Hoosiers still boast a talented roster, led by Ismail Habib (17.7 PPG) and Sheridan Sharp (2.9 APG). Cardell Bailey has also been a standout on the glass, averaging 6.8 RPG for the season.

One key matchup to watch is how SIUE's bench production will fare against Indiana's stingy defense. The Cougars have been relying heavily on their reserves to make up for the absence of star players, and if they can find a way to get them going, it could be a recipe for success.

Another factor that could play a major role in this game is momentum. SIUE has been gaining steam lately, while Indiana has struggled to find its footing. If the Cougars can keep their winning ways alive, it could spell trouble for the Hoosiers.

So what can we expect from this matchup? Will SIUE's bench production and momentum carry them over a struggling Indiana team, or will the Hoosiers' stingy defense prove too much to handle? One thing is certain: this game has all the makings of an instant classic.