The Drake University men's basketball team continues its two-game homestand Tuesday evening when it welcomes SIU to the Knapp Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on Mediacom MC22 and ESPN+
 
SIU makes its annual trip to Des Moines with a 2-0 record in the MVC while the Bulldogs are 0-2 after falling to defending MVC Champion Loyola Saturday. Drake made its first 10 shots from the field in that loss and ended the game shooting 51 percent and 47.6 percent from three-point range with 10 three-pointers.
 
That loss was the Bulldogs' first at home this season. The team is currently 6-1 on its home court.
 
Drake is averaging 80.7 points per game this season, the highest mark in the Valley and 49th nationally while the Salukis average a slightly less august 69.5 points per game.
 
Following Nick Norton's season-ending knee injury, Noah Thomas moved into Norton's starting role and notched eight points with five assists against Loyola in his first career start. He converted on a pair of three-pointers to help Drake sink 10 three-pointers in the loss.
 
Inside, Nick McGlynn is averaging 18.2 points per game in the last 11 games with four 20-point performances. In his last outing, he finished with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting with seven rebounds.
 
SIU defeated Missouri State and UNI to open conference play following three-straight non-conference losses before Christmas. Of the Salukis' six losses this season, three have been against top-25 teams.
 
Drake has won two of the last three meetings with SIU and McGlynn recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the last meeting between the two programs.
 
Following Tuesday's game, the Bulldogs return to the road to take on UNI Sunday, Jan. 13, in the McLeod Center at 3 p.m.