Eagles open GLVC action this week
USI Game Notes
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana junior forward
Orlando Rutledge (Louisville, Kentucky) was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week after his 27-point effort in the 17
th-ranked Screaming Eagles' win over Cedarville University, 72-61, Saturday night. The 27-points tied a season-high for Rutledge.
In the first regular season game since December 15, Rutledge was nine-of-16 from the field, including a season-best six three-point field goals, and three-of-three from the free throw line. The junior forward also had three rebounds, one assist, and two steals.
Rutledge was on fire during December's four games, averaging 23.8 points per game and shooting 52.5 percent from the field (31-59). He also shot 41.4 percent from long range (12-29) and 77.8 percent from the charity stripe (21-27), while helping the Eagles to a 3-1 record in December.
Rutledge and the Eagles (7-1, 0-0 GLVC) continue a three-game homestand and open GLVC action Thursday at the Physical Activities Center. USI's first conference opponent is the University of Missouri-St. Louis (7-2, 0-1 GLVC) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday as it starts the defense of its GLVC championship.
The Tritons of UMSL have been idle since December 19 when they defeated Culver-Stockton University, 92-77. UMSL, which was the GLVC West Division champion and a GLVC Tournament semifinalist in 2011-12, has won four of our last five games.
The USI-UMSL match-up on January 3 marks the 43rd meeting of the two programs with the Eagles leading 31-11. USI also has won the last nine at the Physical Activities Center.
The Eagles conclude the three-game homestand at 3:15 p.m. Saturday when they host Maryville University (11-2, 1-0 GLVC). The Saints are off to their best start since joining the GLVC, winning 11 of their 13 contests. Maryville, who has received votes for the national poll this year, also has won eight of its last nine contests after defeating future GLVC-member Truman State University, 70-57, Sunday afternoon. The Saints will play at Kentucky Wesleyan College Thursday before coming to the PAC.
The USI-Maryville match-up marks the fifth meeting between the two programs with the Eagles leading the series, 4-0, since the Saints joined the GLVC. USI began its run to the GLVC Tournament crown last March with a 68-51 victory over Maryville at the PAC.
UMSL and Maryville started GLVC action back in December with the Saints defeating the Tritons on the road in overtime, 72-65.
Coverage of the Eagles' GLVC games, including live stats and audio/video broadcasts, is available at gousieagles.com. The USI action also can be heard on ESPN 106.7FM and WPSR 90.7FM.
