Missouri Valley Conference Championship: No. 2 Southern Illinois completed its conference post-season run with a Missouri Valley Championship after beating No. 5 Bradley 59-46. Sophomore forward Randal Falker led the Salukis with 17 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. The Salukis’ defense smothered all three opponents in the conference tournament, allowing only 49 points per game. Southern Illinois’ victory guaranteed the Salukis a spot in their fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament and gave the team its first conference championship since 1995. [3/05/06]