Game 7 #2 Wichita State (24-8,12-6) vs. #3 Illinois State (22-9,12-7)
Season Series
Illinois State was able to welcome a red hot Wichita State team to MVC play this season, as the Redbirds handed the Shockers only their second loss of the season 57-72, as they opened conference play. The Shockers were able to avenge that loss when they hosted the Redbirds later in the season and posted an eight point win.
Wichita State can win if…
…they can continue to use their bench. As we have seen in the past, the team that is able to take advantage of some depth during this tournament can typically win it all. As the Shockers showed in their game against the Bears last night, they were able to use some fresh bodies to out last the Bears in a close game.
Illinois State can win if…
…Osiris continues to get help in the paint. The Shockers have a very solid and quick perimeter offense, but they will be out matched in the paint in this one. Odiakosa was held in check for the most part of the Indiana State game last night, but he has the ability to have a break out game this afternoon.
Game 8 #1 Northern Iowa (26-4, 15-3) vs. #5 Bradley (16-14, 9-9)
Season Series
Of all the teams in the Valley, Bradley played Northern close twice. UNI pulled off a 52-50 win in Cedar Falls. Then Bradley returned the favor, giving the Panthers one of their three conference losses. In Peoria, the Braves won 68-59.
Northern Iowa can win if…
…they can contain Sam Maniscalco. He scored a career-high 31 points against the Jays. The Panthers have a few bodies they can throw at him defensively. The Panthers need also need to come out fast to start the game. Against Drake, they dug themselves in a hole before a solid run to end the half. They started the second half with another run leaving no doubt who was going to win that game.
Bradley can win if…
…they continue to put up points. UNI likes to play a slow paced, defensive game. The Braves put up 68 points in Peoria. Coach Les will need to get his offense in gear. Yesterday it was their point guard. Who will step up today? Andrew Warren or Taylor Brown can both fill that roll. Sam Singh has the body and the size to give Jordan Eglseder trouble in the paint. He will need to avoid foul trouble.