The scene in Evansville, Indiana, was pure joy as the SIUE Cougars celebrated their OVC championship. Confetti rained down as players embraced, savoring their first NCAA tournament bid. The culmination of hard work, determination, and belief filled the arena as the Cougars cut down the nets.
This victory marked a historic moment for SIUE. Head Coach Brian Barone had promised to elevate the program, and this win fulfilled that six-year-old commitment. The Cougars’ journey from Division II to Division I was challenging, making this NCAA tournament berth a significant milestone for the university.
The Journey to the Dance
Barone took over in March 2019 with a vision to transform SIUE basketball. He instilled a hard work and resilience culture, leading to back-to-back winning seasons and being the first for SIUE in Division I. He emphasized on defense and long-range shooting.
SIUE head coach Brian Barone put scissors in a case six years ago and refused to open the case until making the NCAA tournament.
Today he broke them out to cut down the nets 👏 pic.twitter.com/Uj4oL2lahX
— ESPN (@espn) March 9, 2025
The Cougars’ OVC tournament run showcased their growth. They overcame a slow start in the championship game against Southeast Missouri State, securing a dominant 69-48 victory. Brian Taylor II’s three-pointer ignited a key 15-4 run. They maintained their lead, ending the first half with a 35-24 advantage. Ray’s Sean Taylor scored 20 points, becoming SIUE’s all-time leading scorer with 1,952 points.
“I remember when I first took over, we talked about building a program that could compete at the highest level,” Barone said. “To see it come to fruition is incredibly rewarding.” His dedication to the players was evident.
What’s Next for the Cougars
SIUE earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The team currently holds a 16th seed forecast that points them toward the First Four competition at Dayton. Ohio. The Cougars plan to battle against teams ranked among the top competitors in the nation.
“We’re not just happy to be here; we’re here to compete,” Barone said, emphasizing the team’s focus and determination. The players are eager to embrace the challenge and make their mark in the tournament.t
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“Coach Barone has been the driving force behind our success,” a team administrator stated. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the program and instilling a winning mentality among the players. “This is just the beginning,” Barone declared. “We’ve shown that we can compete at the highest level, and now it’s about sustaining that success.” The NCAA Tournament berth signifies a bright future for SIUE basketball.
Barone completed his six-year commitment, which showcases the remarkable evolution of SIUE. The NCAA Tournament berth demonstrates how Barone’s leadership brought out the team’s determination. The accomplishment establishes a historical precedent for SIUE University while creating a precedent for being a rising athletic power in Division I basketball.
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