The Cougars, led by second-year head coach Brian Barone, played their home games in the First Community Arena at Vadalabene Center in Edwardsville, Illinois as members of the Ohio Valley Conference.

Three scholarship players with eligibility remaining did not return; two transferred to other Division I programs,[2][3] and Zeke Moore is playing professionally in Spain.

In a vote of conference coaches and sports information directors, SIUE was picked to finish in 11th place in the OVC.

[4] After leading the team with career-highs of 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in the Cougars' win at Morehead State, Sidney Wilson was named the OVC Newcomer of the Week on December 21.

[7] The Cougars, the 8th seed in the OVC Tournament, Lost to the top-seeded Belmont Bruins for a third time, but by a much closer margin.