Dream Season Ends in Wichita

Too Much Houston Size & Speed

(Wichita, KS) – Southern Illinois Edwardsville led their first-ever NCAA Tournament 2-0 and 4-2 and then their dream season rapidly came to an end in Wichita, Kansas. Houston went on 8-0 run that became a 17-2 explosion and the end was clear.

Houston’s ability to rebound over the smaller Cougars amazing first half three-point shooting created a 28-point, first half deficit. SIUE never recovered, but did settle down and competed. Houston out rebounded SIUE 50 to 27.

SIUE was cold from deep (2/24), but the length and physicality of the Houston Cougars was too much to overcome. Brian Barone’s guys were dribbling backwards often to avoid the constant double-teaming action of Kelvin Sampson’s troops.

Dream Season Reflections

While disappointed with the outcome, Barone was proud of his team’s effort and their dream season. SIUE’s 21 wins is a program record. The OVC Tournament Championship and appearance in the NCAA Tournament each set new standards for the Cougars.

A tearful Barone was thankful and expressed his gratitude to his players and the Edwardsville community for a special season, saying he was proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish.

“You’re going to reflect on it. It’s hard right now because we’re a competitive group that expects and wants to win, and we didn’t do that just now,” said Barone. “For us to do what we did in the OVC Conference this year, it’s a testament to our team. Yeah, I’ll reflect on that. I’m very proud of the historic things that we did in terms of most wins, most conference wins. Winning a championship in the Ohio Valley Conference is special because it’s a really good league. I think it’s a testament to these guys on how hard they work and how resilient they are, and Ray just said he keeps his head up. These guys are a very positive group of guys.”

Ray’Sean Taylor and Brian Taylor II each scored ten points, but SIUE struggled mightily from long range, making just two of 24 three-point attempts. Ring Malif failed to score and the Cougars were just 8 of 17 from the free-throw line.

The emotional Ray’Sean Taylor said he was proud of the winning legacy he’s leaving behind, but even more proud of the relationships enjoyed by he and his teammates.

“Like you said about leaving a legacy, to start off, we won a championship,” said Taylor. “So I think that’s going to cement everything I worked for and everything I went through. Obviously I had the three knee surgeries. He (Barone) stuck with me, so my legacy is more than just win or lose. It’s about bouncing back.”

Brian Taylor spoke proudly of all his cousin overcame to succeed at such a high level.

“It’s about bouncing back and having the attitude to fight adversity,” When you hit a wall — there’s a lot of people that hit walls in their careers and don’t know exactly what to do, but this dude right here has been through a lot. It’s a testament to his character, his work ethic, and to the support and to the community at SIUE. There’s one team, and it really is one family.”

Senior Desmond Polk and Ray’Sean spent time in the locker room thanking their teammates for all they had experienced together.

“I mean, for one, I definitely thanked them for the opportunity that they gave me,” said Polk. “Definitely helping the team put us in this position, definitely holding onto this experience. Obviously you want to be on the other end of it, but definitely hold onto this experience and lead guys on the next year for the incoming freshmen that they have coming in.”

A grateful Barone talked about how his players brought the entire Edwardsville community together. Their dream season transformed the fan base and the entire region.

“They’ve just been doing it, and I wouldn’t have expected anything less,” said Barone. “You walk out, and every time you go out there and you see that sea of red and they’re saying “SIUE”. It wasn’t like that. It’s never been like that ever. That’s what these guys did, and it’s fun to be part of community. A few years ago we didn’t have any community, right? We were playing games over and over in front of nobody. But what these guys did, they showed a community what it’s like to be together and that’s just special.”

What’s Next?

In this ‘portal pandemic’ era there are no guarantees about which Cougars will return next season. With the ending of eligibility for Ray’Sean Taylor and Desmond Polk, the Cougars have big shoes to fill.

Both players are leaving SIUE with their degrees and Taylor with a master’s degree.

Potentionally, there is significant talent coming back.

It’s believed that grad transfer Joe Valrie will have another year of eligibility and Barone has consistently described the 6’5 forward as difference-maker. He missed the season after just a handful of games due to injury. SIUE’s three-headed post committee can all return.

Kyle Thomas, Myles Thompson and Arnas Sakenis are all juniors and have flashed the ability to be significant Ohio Valley Conference big men. Darrion Baker and Cham Okey showed potential.

Juniors Brian Taylor and Malif are returning starters  and sophomore guard Jordan Pickett saw extensive action this year.

During the fall signing period, Barone inked commitments from junior college star Tyer King and local St. Louis product, ‘Bubby McCaskill.

So, talent is available. Who will leave and who else will Barone find are now the critical questions, but the foundation for success has been laid by three straight winning seasons including one ‘dream season’.

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