The Cougars, led by third year head coach Jon Harris, played their home games at the Vadalabene Center in Edwardsville, Illinois as members of the Ohio Valley Conference.

In a vote of conference coaches and sports information directors, SIUE was picked to finish in 12th place in the OVC.

[1] After five years of divisional play in the OVC, the conference eliminated divisions for the 2017–18 season.

The Cougars' ninth place tie was broken by their 2–1 record versus Eastern Kentucky and UT Martin.

[3] Prior to the start of the OVC Tournament, the conference announced the Cougars senior forward Jalen Henry was named to the All-OVC Second Team.