March 1, 2006

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Saluki guard Wesley Clemmons was named to the Missouri Valley Conference all-bench team, while forward Randal Falker and guard Tony Young were selected to the most-improved team.

Clemmons, a redshirt freshman, came off the bench in all but one game and averaged 3.9 ppg for SIU. In the last six games, he has made 8-of-10 shots from 3-point range, and his season percentage improved to 37.7

After not recording a double-double in his first 45 games as a Saluki, Falker had five during a seven-game stretch, including four-straight from Jan. 28-Feb. 7. Falker ranks third in the MVC in rebounding (7.6 rpg) and sixth in blocked shots (1.48 bpg). Falker is ninth in career blocks at SIU with 73.

Young entered the season with a reputation as a defensive specialist. But last year's MVC Sixth Man of the Year blossomed on offense this season and was rewarded with First-Team All-MVC honors. Young ranked third in scoring in conference games (14.8 ppg).

2006 MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE ALL-BENCH TEAM
Wesley Clemmons, Southern Illinois, Fr., Gd.
*Kellen Easley, Missouri State, Sr., G/F
Will Franklin, Bradley, Jr., Gd.
Dale Lamberth, Missouri State, So., Fwd.
Ryan Martin, Wichita State, Jr., Gd.

2006 MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE MOST-IMPROVED TEAM
Blake Ahearn, Missouri State, Jr., Gd.
Greg Dilligard, Illinois State, Jr., Fwd.
Randal Falker, Southern Illinois, So., Fwd.
*Anthony Tolliver, Creighton, Jr., Ctr.
Tony Young, Southern Illinois, Jr., Gd.

*--indicates team captain.