USC-Upstate (1-5) @ Wichita State (6-1)
Wichita, KS 7:05 CT
The Shockers put on another clinic in their fourth consecutive victory as they had four players score in double figures and a total of ten players scoring at all. Lead by Garrett Stutz’s 14 points, Wichita State was able to make quick work of Texas Southern in a 74-43 lopsided win.
The Shockers have been playing with a bit of a fire since their loss to Pittsburgh on national television, and have been able to improve to 6-1 on the season. The Spartans from USC-Upstate will travel to Wichita to try and cool off the Shockers, but I don’t see the home team having too much trouble with the 1-5 visitors.
– Paul Liberty
Central Michigan (3-4) @ Illinois State (6-0)
Peoria, Ill. 7:05 CT
The undefeated Redbirds will play host to an old friend tonight, as they welcome the Chippewas of Central Michigan to Peoria for this evenings game. These two used to meet on a regular basis when both schools were part of the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) in the 50’s and 60’s.
The Redbirds were able to continue their undefeated season when they squeaked by St. Bonaventure 80-77. Hopefully, with the home crowd behind them, they will be able to stop the Chippewas in a more convincing fashion. I can see the Redbirds running away with this one early, and never looking back.
– Paul Liberty
Air Force (4-1) @ Missouri State (6-0)
Springfield, MO 7:05 CT
The other undefeated MVC School will continue the inaugural Mtn. West / MVC Challenge when they play host to the Falcons of Air Force. Similar to other MVC schools, the Bears were able to make easy scraps of the Trojans of Arkansas Little Rock and move their record to an impressive 6-0.
The Bears may get a bit of a test from the Falcons today, as they will be used to playing some tough opponents, and carry a decent 4-1 record of their own. This one, in my opinion, will be the most competitive one of the MVC Saturday schedule of games. Unfortunately, as we all know, we won’t be able to watch this one unless you have a dish.
– Paul Liberty
Southern Illinois (3-1) @ Saint Louis (4-3)
Chaifetz Arena
St. Louis, Missouri 7:05 PM CST – Mediacom Illinois
The Salukis take to the court for their first game in a week. Last Saturday they defeated Illinois-Chicago 74-64. Carlton Fay had a career-high 23 to lead the Salukis. Kevin Dillard added 17 and the final player in double figures was Nick Evans with 12. Watch out Valley, the handcuffing Saluki defense may be on its way back. It took over twelve and a half minutes in the second half before UIC got their first points.
The Billikens started off the season with four wins, including a home win over Nebraska. Last weekend they took part in the Chicago Invitational. The Windy City was not so friendly. They dropped games to Iowa State and Notre Dame. They followed that up with a road loss to Georgia, not a typical SEC power on Wednesday. SLU has shown they are a better team at home.
– Panon
North Dakota (1-7) @ Drake (2-5)
Knapp Center
Des Moines, Iowa 7:30 PM CST – Mediacom Iowa
Hy-Vee Classic
Normally home tournaments are set up to favor the home team. Drake is thinking differently this morning after a tough defeat to SIU-Edwardsville leaves them in the consolation game. Drake missed their last four shots of the game and turned a 58-52 lead into a 60-58 defeat. One bright spot for the Bulldogs though was freshman from Bettendorf, Iowa Seth VanDeest. He contributed 15 points in the loss as well as 4 rebounds and a pair of blocks.
The Fighting Sioux are in the same positions as the Bulldogs. They lost their first game and are trying to salvage a win in the Hy-Vee Classic. The Fighting Sioux clung to a 4-point halftime lead. A 20-6 run by Texas-Arlington in the second half carried them to a 10-point win. Dustin Monsebroten had a career-high 19 and Travis Mertens had 14 North Dakota.
The opportunity to get back on the court and put yesterday’s defeat behind them presents itself to Drake. Josh Young had just 6 points in 31 minutes. The Bulldogs will go only as far as he can carry them.
– Panon