Creighton played Illinois State in the Bluejays’ first road game of conference season. That seems like ages ago. A lot has changed since the last time they met. Both teams were expected to be at the top of the MVC race.
For the Bluejays, they are sitting there as expected and with a one game lead over Indiana State and Wichita State. The Redbirds started on the opposite end of the spectrum, going 0-6 to begin league play and now seemingly out of the MVC race. However, they have turned things around and have won five of their last six games and are coming into Omaha with a lot of confidence. They probably even have more confidence after seeing the Bluejays get knocked around by Indiana State on Wednesday night.
There have been some changes made by the Redbirds over the past six games. Joining us again to give us some updates on Illinois State is Jim Benson, who covers the Redbirds for the Pantagraph. He had some great insight before the first game and has even more to say before this one. Here’s our conversation with him.
White & Blue Review: Since the game with Creighton to start MVC play, what kind of struggles have the Redbirds endured to be where they are at in the conference race? Are they poised for an end of the season run?
Jim Benson: Tyler Brown went through a period where he was struggling on both ends. Something happened in the Missouri State game on Jan. 8, and he was suspended for a game for conduct detrimental to the team. Since he came back, his effort level has been much higher. Although he isn’t shooting as well from the perimeter like he did earlier in the season, he has started taking the ball harder to the basket. He is getting to the free throw line more and that has helped the entire offense start to gel again. They seem to have things together on offense, but defensively they still throw a bad half in where the opponent gets 50 plus. They need to get rid of those — fast, or there won’t be much of a run.
WBR: Brown was suspended earlier during the conference season. What did he do that led to that? How has he rebounded since the suspension?
JB: Not sure what Tyler did and no one saying for sure, but believe there were some words exchanged (out of frustration, mainly) in locker room at Missouri State. Like I stated earlier, he has recovered quite nicely. His effort on both ends is much better. I think he realized, “I’m a senior and need to kick it in gear.” He has.
WBR: In conference play, which Redbird has impressed you the most?
JB: Everyone figured Carmichael and Brown would be the team leaders and they are. The player really coming on fast is Johnny Hill. He was never a point guard before this season, but is quickly adapting to the position. When he plays well, the team seems to play well. Hill isn’t the scorer and distributor that Nic Moore was, but he is a much better defender. He needs to work on his outside shot for next season. Not a 3-point threat, but a good slasher and has developed a nice runner. Hill is one of most improved players in league from last season.
WBR: In winning five of their past six games, what has changed for Illinois State?
JB: There have been about three bad defensive halves in the last six games, but other than that the defensive intensity has come together and fueled this recent surge. They have found they can still have mediocre offensive games and win if the defense is solid.
WBR: Since conference play started, Jackie Carmichael has played pretty well it appears, but has not had a lot of attention his way. How would you rate him among the other top players in the MVC?
JB: I think Jackie is the second best player in the conference behind McDermott. Hands down. He is playing well at both ends. Like Doug, he is always the focal point of the opposing defense. He has learned to handle double teams much better as the season has gone on. He’s just as valuable to the Redbirds as Doug McDermott is to the Jays.
WBR: In recent years, the MVC race has not had a clear cut regular season winner until the final couple of games. What makes it so hard to be dominant in the MVC?
JB: There have usually been two teams above the rest of the pack. I don’t think the Valley is much different than any other conference in the country in that regard. Especially when you play a double round-robin schedule, opponents are really zeroed in on your tendencies, especially the second time around. In a lot of conferences, teams only play a bunch of other teams just once. Upsets usually happen in the second meeting.
WBR: Do you think Doug McDermott will return for his senior year? What do you think he needs to work on to get ready for the next level?
JB: I would think Doug will go after this season, but I’m surprised the recent mock NBA Draft by CBSsports.com had him only No. 33. He is a unique inside-outside threat. He might not be the quickest player around, but he is a smart basketball player and that counts for a lot. NBA scouts must have questions about how well he can guard a 3-man at that level. I really hope he does return, though. He is good for the Valley and the college game overall.
WBR: What is your final prediction? What will the Redbirds need to do to score an upset here in Omaha?
JB: Three of the last four ISU-Creighton games have gone down to the final minute. I don’t think this one will. The Jays will be hopping mad after their debacle in Terre Haute and should be super focused, especially playing on national television. If the Redbirds aren’t sharp defensively, this could be a blowout like last year in Omaha. I’ll say… Creighton 82, Illinois State 72.
