Second Round Recap – Chicago Region
by Neal Heston
Southern Illinois’ upset attempt fell short, as Oklahoma State advanced to the Sweet 16 behind its home crowd.
The Salukis controlled a 46-39 lead at the half, but fell victim to a 12-0 run by the Cowboys at the beginning of the second frame. SIU fought back to take the lead again, but Oklahoma State pulled away behind 31 points from Ivan McFarlin. Oklahoma State pushed its lead to as many as 11 before Southern Illinois fought to within four at 72-68, but the Salukis couldn’t get over the hill.
Lucas and Curry gave strong support to McFarlin, as the two combined for 35 points for OSU Sunday. Southern Illinois was paced by 22 points from Jamaal Tatum and 17 from Darren Brooks.
Brooks, Stetson Hairston and Josh Warren played their final game in a Salukis uniform. Their final season wasn’t exactly disappointing. Southern Illinois ran away with its fourth consecutive Missouri Valley Conference regular season title en route to its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
Oklahoma State will face No. 3 seed Arizona in the Chicago regional semifinal later this week. The winner of that game will face either Illinois or Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
