The Drake University men's basketball team welcomes SIU to the Knapp Center, where the Bulldogs are 8-1 this season, for a Tuesday evening contest. Both the Bulldogs and Salukis enter Tuesday night with 6-4 records to sit in a tie for second place in the Missouri Valley Conference standings.
 
Tuesday evening will also be Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee Night at the Knapp Center with a halftime dunk contest featuring prospective Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee competitors such as Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser and the top-ranked American long jumper taking off from the Knapp Center hardwood. Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee officials will also be recognized throughout the evening.
 
Earlier this season, the Bulldogs defeated the Salukis on the road, 70-67, behind 20 points from Reed Timmer (New Berlin, Wis.). The senior enters his final regular-season contest with the Salukis having averaged 19.6 points per game against SIU while shooting 50 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from the three-point arc in seven games against SIU.
 
On the season, Timmer has averaged 17.8 points per game while SIU is paced by Armon Fletcher's 14.5 points per game. The Salukis make their annual trip to Des Moines on a three-game win streak with victories over UNI, Indiana State and Missouri State.
 
In the first meeting with the Salukis this season, Drake limited them to 39.4 percent shooting and will aim to replicate that defensive effort as the Bulldogs are 6-0 this season and 4-0 in MVC games when holding opponents below 40 percent shooting.
 
Following Tuesday game, the Bulldogs return to the road Saturday, Feb. 3, to face Bradley in an evening contest at Carver Arena.