OVC in the STL

Lindenwood and SIUE in the Grind

(St. Louis, MO) – We are fortunate to have the OVC in the STL! Four years ago when Lindenwood made the leap to Division 1 and the Ohio Valley Conference, it added a layer of interest in the Gateway City to college hoops and to the conference.

At that time Brian Barone was just turning Southern Illinois Edwardsville into a respectable OVC and D1 program. The ascension of these two programs goes along with axiom that ‘the rising tide makes all boats float’.

Since Barone took over at SIUE the Cougars have steadily improved and become a competitive to upper echelon OVC squad. Lindenwood has made remarkable strides for a program making the leap from D2 to college basketball’s highest designation.

The two teams are tied for fifth spot in the OVC race with identical 8-5 league marks. They are one game out of second place. Either or both could finish in the top four heading into Evansville for the league tournament and both will qualify for the OVC Championships.

They met Tuesday in St. Louis in a dramatic come-from-behind victory by the traveling Cougars of SIUE. Barone’s team swept the season series but the point differential in the two victories was just ten points.

Kyle Gerdeman’s team is turning heads in the OVC. The Lions are second in scoring and despite heavy injuries are surviving near the top of the race playing just seven players. Lindenwood is tenth nationally scoring 17.7 fast break points per game.

Don’t get Barone started talking about injuries. SIUE’s top two scorers are out for the season, but they have rebounded and won five of their last six games.

OVC In The STL – The Game

Each team demonstrated why they are enjoying success. The fast-paced Lions led most of the game and scored 41 first half points. SIUE is the OVC’s second best defensive team, allowing just 63.8 points per league contest and they held LU to just 31 in the second half.

Lindenwood stars Anias Futrell and Jadis Jones showed off their talent and the Cougars demonstrated their growth without Ring Malith and Myles Thompson. Big man Arnie Sakenis has grown into a legitimate post presence. Tyler King has taken a lead role on the offensive end and ‘pass first’ point guard Jack Campion has taken it upon himself to score more often.

The transformation has been extremely interesting to watch.

Jones missed the recent road trip with a nagging knee injury. He returned with a spectacular 23 point and ten rebound performance. He is an elite rebounder and finisher around the rim. Futrell was limited with foul trouble but still managed 16 points and nine boards

Barone says those two Lions and Dontrez Williams are outstanding players.

Jones finished the game in good fashion (physically). Gerdeman says he felt fine after the game and his performance demonstrates the 6’5 sophomore’s will to contribute to Lindenwood victories.

Even though Campion didn’t miss time, his play with a broken nose and wearing a mask, was good, but he seems to be much better now without it. His scoring average is arcing upward while continuing to lead the OVC in assists. He finished Tuesday’s game with 17 points and seven assists. He’s averaging 10.8 points and 6.1 helpers over the past six games.

Sakenis is on a similar path. After scoring 12 points and grabbing 13 rebounds Tuesday, he’s sporting a 13-point and 7.3 rebounding averages over that same span.

The Rivalry

Former SIUE Director of Athletics Jason Coomer now holds that position at LU. During their four years cohabitating in the OVC, the Lions have won just one of the eight contests. So, it’s not ready to be a rivalry yet, but the two programs are separated by less than 40 miles and this could become one of the best rivalries in the OVC.

They recruit some of the same geographical areas and are yearning for media coverage from the St. Louis media market. SIUE’s OVC Tournament win and NCAA Tournament experience last season has given the Cougars a leg up on their less experienced neighbors.

When the two met on Tuesday, the local Fox-TV affiliate was on the scene. While Saint Louis University’s amazing season is draining coverage away from these two, there was a glimmer of ‘what might be’.

Barone says his respect for Gerdeman, the LU players and the close proximity makes these two a natural rivalry. Noting the big and loud crowd. Barone says this is how players want experience college hoops. SIUE fans were able to make the drive and support the team.

Gerdeman doesn’t believe the rivalry is full grown yet, but thought the crowd and atmosphere was outstanding.

Each program has ‘big time’ announcers on their side. Hall-of-Fame announcers Bob Ramsey and Earl Austin are Lindenwood grads and announce numerous Lions’ games. SIUE’s Joe Pott is featured on St. Louis Cardinals’ pre and post-game shows on St. Louis’ dominant radio station, KMOX.

Both the Hyland Center and First Community Bank Arena (SIUE) are the perfect size for the OVC in the STL. The campuses are beautiful and inviting.

Everything is in place to contend in their conference and to celebrate the OVC in the STL.

Do Good

 

Editor: Cover photo, courtesy of siuecougars.com.