Today in the Valley

Today in the Valley: December 18, 2010

Drake (4-4) vs. Iowa (5-5)

Knapp Center; Des Moines, IA

7:00 PM CST

The Bulldogs look to make it three wins in a row against Iowa in the Knapp Center after winning in 2006 and 2008.  This game is the second of five game home stand.  Last Sunday, Boise St. visited the Knapp Center and were edged 72-69.  Seth VanDeest had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The Hawkeyes are playing their final game of the Big Four showdown.  They defeated UNI by limiting them to just 39 points.  They followed that up with a tough loss to Iowa St.  They will make to look it 2-3 against the in-state schools for new coach Fran McCaffrey.

Evansville (4-4) vs. Middle Tennessee St. (4-6)

Roberts Stadium; Evansville, IN

2:05 PM EST

Expect a packed  house with of young Purple Aces fans on ‘Take a Kid to the Game’ day.  Vouchers were given out at local schools for up to four kids 13 and under to get in free with a single paid adult.  Here’s a unique occasion you don’t hear about two often.  This will be the second time this season these two non-conference opponents have played this season.  It will be the first time since 2006-2007 it has happened for Evansville.  On November 24 these two teams met in Tennessee.  The Blue Raiders came out on top 82-70.  The Purple Aces let a 6 point halftime lead slip away.  Colt Ryan finished 31, 23 which came in the first half.    Expect another tight game today.

Purdue (7-3) vs. Indiana State (7-2)

Conseco Fieldhouse; Indianapolis, IN

3:00 CT BIG Ten Network

Indiana State will continue their first year under Greg Lansing as they face the Boilermakers of Purdue in Indianapolis this afternoon.  Sitting at .500 on the season, the Sycamores will look to get over the hump, but they will need some help as they battle the Boilermakes.

Purdue, who enters the game with a 17/19 national ranking and an impressive 9-1 record, is coming off a victory over North Florida 77-57.  Although they will be heavy favorites today, they know they will need to play their game to get a W over a desperate Sycamore team.

LSU (7-3) vs. Wichita State (7-2)

CenturyTel Center; Bossier, LA

7:00 CT

Although the Tigers of LSU do not have a number before their name, this will be a big game for both schools.  The Shockers have another opportunity to knock off a team from a “major” conference tonight when the face off against the Tigers of LSU.  With an easy victory over Alabama A&M 71-49 the last time out, WSU is ready for the challenge.

Similar to the Shockers, the Tiger are coming off an easy victory as they took out McNeese State 78-66.  LSU is aware that this game is important, as they know that the Shockers will be a team many are talking about come tournament time.  This game should be good for either teams RPI, if the season turns out the way many think it will.

Missouri State (6-3) vs. St. Louis (4-4)

JHQ Arena; Springfield, MO

7:00 CT

Missouri State is coming off a tough loss to Oklahoma State 84-70 and will look to bounce back against an easier opponent in the Billikens of St. Louis.

Coming into Springfield with a 4-4 record and a close win over Jackson State, SLU should have their hands full with the bears tonight.

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