SIUE Men's Basketball: A Season of Anticipation and Recognition
The SIUE men's basketball team is gearing up for an exciting 2025-26 season, following their remarkable achievements in the previous year. After securing the Ohio Valley Conference Championship and making their first-ever March Madness appearance, the Cougars are now ranked third in the OVC preseason poll, earning a first-place vote and 163 points.
This recognition is a testament to the team's consistent performance and their ability to compete at the top of the league. SIUE Head Coach Brian Barone expressed his pride in the program's growth, stating, 'Ultimately, you have to go out there and play. What it speaks to is our program being considered consistently. We are recognized as a team that can compete towards the top of the league.'
The preseason favorite is Little Rock, earning 12 first-place votes and 188 points. Southeast Missouri follows in second place with 177 points and six first-place votes. Tennessee State, Lindenwood, and Morehead State round out the top five with 135, 100, and 100 points, respectively.
Two standout players, seniors Ring Malith and Arnas Sakenis, have been chosen as SIUE's Players to Watch. Malith, who averaged 11.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, was an All-Tournament team selection during the OVC Championship run. Barone praised Malith's versatility, noting his impact on both offense and defense.
Sakenis, on the other hand, is in his fourth season with the Cougars. He led the league in total blocks with 48 and averaged 1.85 blocks per game. Barone highlighted Sakenis' defensive prowess, emphasizing his consistent effort and impact on the court.
The Cougars will kick off their season on October 26 with an exhibition game against Missouri Baptist at 1 p.m. The team will showcase their banners celebrating the OVC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. Season tickets and single-game tickets are available for purchase online at SIUECougars.com/tickets.
The OVC preseason poll rankings are as follows: 1. Little Rock (12 first-place votes, 188 points), 2. Southeast Missouri (6 first-place votes, 177 points), 3. SIUE (1 first-place vote, 163 points), 4. Tennessee State (1 first-place vote, 135 points), 5. Lindenwood and Morehead State (100 points each), 7. Tennessee Tech (80 points), 8. UT Martin (79 points), 9. Southern Indiana (2 first-place votes, 67 points), 10. Eastern Illinois (63 points), 11. Western Illinois (57 points).
The players mentioned are Ring Malith (6' 9", Senior, G/F) and Arnas Sakenis (7' 1", Senior, C).
