Preview: Belmont Bruins at Southern Illinois Salukis CARBONDALE, Ill. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build momentum before conference play intensifies will meet Monday when the Belmont Bruins visit the Southern Illinois Salukis in a nonconference women’s basketball game at SIU Arena. The Bruins (5-7) enter on a two-game skid, including a 76-46 home loss to Duke on Dec. 20. The Salukis (3-7) snapped a four-game losing streak with an 85-29 rout of Judson, an NAIA opponent, on the same date. Belmont’s offense will run through guard Hilary Fuller, who has been a consistent scorer despite the team’s recent struggles. She poured in 19 points in just 22 minutes against Duke and has averaged 15.0 points per game over her last five contests. Support from starters Tuti Jones and Quinn Eubank, who combined for just 13 points against the Blue Devils, will be crucial. Southern Illinois counters with guard Jeniah Thompson, who led the team with 14 points in the win over Judson. Her production against Division I competition has been more limited, however, averaging 8.0 points over her last four games against such foes. The Salukis will need more from Alayna Kraus (16 points vs. Judson) and Indya Green to bolster the scoring. Both teams have faced challenging early schedules. Belmont’s losses have come against power-conference opponents like Duke, Kentucky and Tennessee, as well as a strong Princeton squad. Southern Illinois’ victories have come against Judson, Southeast Missouri State and Lewis, while its defeats include sizable margins against Arkansas, Missouri and UAB. Defensive consistency will be a key focus. Belmont allowed Duke to shoot 50% from the field, while Southern Illinois gave up 81 points in a loss to UAB earlier this month. Whichever team can establish a more sustained defensive effort will likely gain the upper hand. This matchup serves as a final tune-up before both teams plunge into their Missouri Valley Conference schedules in early January. For Belmont, it’s a chance to regain confidence on the road. For Southern Illinois, protecting its home court against a fellow MVC member in a nonconference setting is a priority. Tip-off is set for Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. The Bruins and Salukis will meet again in conference play on Jan. 24 in Nashville.