Preview: Southern Illinois at Murray State MURRAY, Ky. (Interstat) — A surging Murray State squad looks to extend its winning streak when it hosts a struggling Southern Illinois team in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup Monday at CFSB Center. The Racers (10-3) enter on a five-game win streak, most recently defeating Valparaiso 85-79 on the road Sunday. Forward Fredrick King has been a force, averaging 14.0 points and 4.0 blocks per game during the streak. He posted 19 points, five rebounds and four blocks in the win over Valparaiso. Murray State’s offense has been potent, scoring 80 or more points in four of its last five contests, including a 115-point outburst at Akron on Dec. 13. Southern Illinois (6-7) seeks to halt a three-game skid. The Salukis fell 73-69 at Bradley on Sunday, despite 18 points and five rebounds from guard Damien Mayo. Mayo has been a bright spot, averaging 13.4 points per game this season and scoring 22 in a road win at High Point earlier this month. The Salukis have struggled defensively during their losing streak, allowing an average of 80.3 points per game. This contest opens a critical early conference slate for both teams. Murray State will rely on its high-scoring attack and interior defense anchored by King. Southern Illinois needs Mayo and forward Rolyns Aligbe, who had 16 points and eight rebounds against Bradley, to provide consistent production to challenge on the road. The Racers won both meetings last season. Tip-off is set for Monday night. Murray State travels to Illinois-Chicago next, while Southern Illinois hosts Valparaiso on Jan. 1.