Southern Illinois (3-3) vs. New Mexico (4-1)
SIU Arena; Carbondale, IL
7:05 CT
Expect a tough defensive battle tonight in Carbondale in this game which is part of the MVC/MWC Challenge. The Salukis picked up a win over Wright St. to wrap up the Chicago Invitation Challenge. Gene Teague finished with a double -double, 17 points and 10 rebounds.
After giving up 89 points in a loss at Cal, New Mexico has limited all other teams to 62 points or lower. Dairese Gray leads a balanced scoring attack with 12.6 ppg. Philip McDonald follows at 12 ppg. Both players are trying to pick up the slack left by the departure of Darington Hobson.
Colorado St. (2-1) vs. Drake (2-3)
Moby Arena; Fort Collins, CO
7:00 CT
Drake is off to a slow start this season. They dropped the final two games they played in the Great Alaska Shootout to St. John’s and Weber state finishing fourth in the tournament. Newcomer Rayvonte Rice had 21 in the game against Weber St.
As part of the MVC/MWC Challenge, Drake will travel to Colorado St. They opened the season with wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Denver before dropping a game to Sam Houston St. Three players average double figures for the Rams, Travis Franklin, Andy Ogide, and Jesse Carr.
Northern Iowa (2-2) vs. Iowa State (6-0)
McLeod Center; Cedar Falls, IA
7:00 CT
ESPN3.com/ESPN Full Court
The last non-conference loss for UNI on their home court was almost two years ago to Iowa St. The undefeated Cyclones would to add another win to their 35-10 career mark against the Panthers. After escaping against Creigthon, Iowa State had wins over Kennesaw St. and Middle Tennessee. An explosive offense, they have scored 80+ in four of their six games.
Jake Koch had a breakout game against North Dakota. In the 65-52 Panther victory the sophomore scored 20. Ben Jacobson will be coaching against Iowa St. for the first time without Greg McDermott on the other end of the court. It’s a big week for the Panthers. After this game they travel to both TCU and Iowa.
Illinois State (5-1) vs. #24 UNLV (6-0)
Redbird Arena; Normal, Ill.
7:05 CT
Illinois State will have a big opportunity at home tonight as they will play host to nationally ranked UNLV as a part of the Mountain West-MVC Challenge. The Redbirds, who hold a 5-1 record on the season should match up well against UNLV and should be able to give them a game.
The Running Rebels have been playing well this season, as they show in their unblemished record. The have a good offense that has a number of players averaging in double figures per game. With no TV, only the folks in the arena will be able to see this one, and it could be good.
Wichita State (4-1) vs. Chicago State (2-5)
Koch Arena; Wichita, KS
7:05 CT
Wichita State has continued their solid play since Hawaii, as they are sitting at 4-1, with the one they let slip away against UCONN. Coming off a whipping of UMKC, the Shockers will play host to Chicago State tonight in Koch Arena.
Chicago State should not be much of a match for the Shockers, as they are sitting at 2-5, fresh off a loss to Liberty.
Missouri State (4-2) vs. Arkansas-Little Rock
JHQ Arena; Springfield, MO
7:05 CT
Missouri State has missed some opportunities this season to get that marquee win. Although UALR will be far from a marquee win, it will be a good test for the Bears at home.
The Trojans have proven to be a tough club this season, and should give the Bears all they can handle. It will be interesting to see how the Bears handle the Trojans, as this game could get them on the right track.
