Bradley (4-2) @ Northern Ill. (1-4)
DeKalb, Ill. 7:05 CT
Bradley was able to get that marquee win for their non-conference schedule. After a tough loss to Oklahoma State, the Braves had a chance, and capitalized on that chance, at another top conference opponent in #20 Illinois. Thanks top some great perimeter shooting by the Braves, 9 three pointers from beyond the arc, and some great defense, holding Illinois to just 22% from downtown, the Braves were able to nock off Illinois
These games are the reason that MVC schools play in these non-conference tournaments, and the Braves should feel pretty good about their performance in Las Vegas. With a win like this, it allows the team to approach their future opponents with the confidence that they were able to nock off the twentieth ranked team in the nation, so they should be able to handle the rest of the schedule.
Well, next up will be a road trip up to Northern Illinois, to face the 1-4 Huskies. The Huskies are familiar with Valley competition as they will be coming off a loss to the UNI Panthers 52-45. Bradley should not have too much of an issue with the Huskies, and they should be able to build on that new found confidence.
– Paul Liberty
Northern Iowa (4-1) @ Iowa State (6-1)
Hilton Coliseum
Ames, Iowa 7:00 PM CST
In what is becoming the best basketball match-up in the state of Iowa, the Panthers and Cyclones square off tonight in Ames. MVC Player of the Week Kwadzo Ahelegbe leads the Panthers in this rivalry game. In the Paradise Jam last week Ahelegbe was on the all-tournament team after scoring a career-high 32 in a win over Boston College to finish the tournament 2-1. He made all three of his 3-point attempts and finished 14-17 (82.3%) from the field.
Coach Greg McDermott will be facing his old school and successor on the Panther bench in Ben Jacobson. Coach McDermott will be trying to swing this series back in favor of the Cyclones. The Panthers have won two of the last three in this series including the last game in Ames two season ago. Last season in the McLeod Center Craig Brackins poured in 32 points and pulled down 16 rebounds to help the Cyclones win in overtime.
At 6-1, the Cyclones will be coming off their first loss of the season this past weekend against Northwestern in the Chicago Invitational. The Cyclones are averaging 80 points again. The Panthers defense will have to keep this one tight in a battle between familiar coaches.
– Panon
Missouri State (5-0) @ UARL (3-4)
Little Rock, Arkansas 7:05 CT
Yes, the Missouri State record above is correct. The Bears have started this season off to a great start, compiling a perfect 5-0 record. They have faced some decent competition, including Auburn early in the season. The most recent victory, an 83-75 win over then undefeated Tulsa was a good boost of confidence for the Bears as they head down to Arkansas to take on the Trojans of UARL. The Trojans, as many Creighton fans are aware, are in a bit of a rebuilding year.
The big twist to this game and the 5-0 record the Bears are boasting, all of their games have been at home this season. That’s right. Every game the Bears have played this year has been in the friendly confines of Springfield, MO. Will the Bears be able to handle a hostile Trojan crowd? I am really leaning towards this one being a trap game for the Bears and would not be surprised to see Missouri State head back home with a loss.
– Paul Liberty