Preview: Southeast Missouri State at Southern Illinois CARBONDALE, Ill. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks visit the Southern Illinois Salukis in a nonconference women’s basketball game. The game tips off at 2 p.m. CST at SIU Arena. Southeast Missouri State (3-4) enters off a dominant 116-34 victory over Harris-Stowe on Wednesday. Southern Illinois (1-6) looks to snap a six-game losing streak following an 81-54 defeat at UAB on the same night. Despite the disparity in recent results, both teams have struggled against higher-caliber competition this season. The Redhawks’ other two wins came against Evansville and Wichita State, but they fell to Arizona State, San Diego and Illinois. The Salukis’ lone victory was a season-opening win over Lewis, with subsequent losses to Power Five programs Arkansas and Missouri. A key matchup will feature each team’s top offensive threat. Southeast Missouri State guard Carmen Taylor is coming off a 24-point performance against Harris-Stowe and has scored 21 or more points in two of her last four games. She averages 14.1 points per game. For Southern Illinois, guard Alayna Kraus has been a consistent bright spot, averaging 16.4 points per game. She has scored in double figures in every contest this season, including a 23-point outing at Arkansas. The Redhawks showcased balanced scoring in their latest win, with Lexi McCully adding 15 points and Charmen Taylor contributing 16. The Salukis will need more offensive support for Kraus, as only Kayla Cooper (11 points) joined her in double figures against UAB. This game represents a final tune-up before both teams break for exams. Southeast Missouri State opens Ohio Valley Conference play on Jan. 1. Southern Illinois begins Missouri Valley Conference action on Jan. 2. Historically, Southern Illinois holds a 24-12 advantage in the series, but the teams have not met since 2017. Saturday’s contest offers each a chance to build confidence before the holiday break.