Grambling State (2-5) @ Illinois State (8-2)
Redbird Arena
Normal, Ill. 7:05 CT
The Redbirds started the non-conference season off on the right foot as they were able to rattle off seven wins in a row. Recently, however, they have dropped two out of three. ISU was able to bounce back against a solid Utah team on the road in their latest victory, to the tune of 73-63.
The Redbirds will host their final non-conference opponent tonight as they welcome Grambling State to Redbird arena. They will need a good tune up as they will open the conference schedule against a red hot Wichita State team. Grambling should not pose much of a challange to the Redbirds, and I can confidently say they should enter MVC play with a 9-2 record.
– Paul Liberty
Missouri State (10-0) @ Arkansas (6-5)
Bud Walton Arena
Fayetteville, AR 7:05 CT
TV: Razorback Sports Network
This game has peeked my interest. Missouri State has been the talk of the MVC so far this season, at least on the positive side. They will carry an undefeated season into Fayetteville Arkansas tonight against another BCS conference opponent. This will not be a real tough game for the Bears, as the Razorbacks have about as many players kicked off the team as they have wins, but it is the last game before MVC play. Going undefeated would sound nice, and they are almost there.
if the Bears play their game and focus on what has gotten them a few votes in the most recent AP and Coaches polls, they should be able to take this one on the road.
– Paul Liberty
Evansville (6-3) @ Austin Peay (7-5)
Dave Aaron Arena
Clarksville, TN 7:00 PM CT
The Governors will have to content with the new two-headed monster for the Purple Aces. Colt Ryan and James Haarsma have been leading this team. The freshman/sophomore combo have took over with the departure of a talented senior class and a freshman transfer. In their second game in a row against an Ohio Valley conference team, Evansville plans to get another win. A little tougher this time as the game will be on the road.
The Governors are trying to regroup after a tough ballgame at Kentucky. They were defeated 90-69. With over 8 minutes to play, they were down just 9 before Kentucky went on a run to put the game out of reach. Guard Wesley Channels scored 21 to lead the Governors.
– Panon
San Diego St. (8-3) @ Drake (5-6)
Knapp Center
Des Moines, IA 8:00 PM CT
MVC/MWC Challenge
Drake hasn’t had too much success at home this season. Between the Drave Invitational and the Hy-Vee Classic, there have been a few opponents that appear to cupcakes on paper. In fact, those teams given the Bulldogs a stiff challenge. Drake is coming off a loss at Iowa. A close game throughout, the Hawks were able to pull it out. Drake appears to be headed to bottom of the standings in the mythical “Iowa” conference. The game tonight won’t be any easier for the Bulldogs. Not quite what they wanted for Christmas.
The Aztecs had a five game win streak snapped on Saturday against Arizona State. During that win streak they had wins over teams such as Arizona and San Diego. We’ll see how the Aztecs respond. It will be their second road game in 4 days. Will they be able to handle the winter of the Midwest? With four players averaging 10 points or more, the Bulldogs will have to be focused on defense. Any Aztec can be the one to have a big night.
– Panon