Evansville (3-3) vs. North Carolina (5-3)
Roberts Stadium; Evansville, IN
6:00 PM CST
ESPNU
Evansville went to Indianapolis and beat a rated Butler team when some thought they did not have a chance. Tonight they host an unranked North Carolina team. With three losses on the season thus far, UNC dropped out of the polls. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of these kids to play North Carolina. Excitement and buzz should fill Roberts Stadium well before tipoff. A few tickets remain to see Roy Williams coach, Harrison Barnes show off his skills that him a preseason All-American, and maybe an appearance in the crowd by Don Mattingly and Tyler Hansborough.
Eastern Michigan (1-6) vs. Drake (2-4)
Convocation Center; Ypsilanti, MI
7:00 PM CST
The Bulldogs travel to Eastern Michigan to take on a 1-6 Eagle team. After a tough loss at Colorado State, it’s an opportunity for the Bulldogs to add to their two victories so far this season. Despite the loss against the Rams, the Bulldogs were lead by a balanced scoring attack. Ryan Wedel scored 16 followed by Seth VanDeest with 15 and Rayvonte Rice with 14.
The Eagles are coming off a five-game roadtrip in which they did not pick up a win. They will be ready to attack the Bulldogs in front of their home fans. Senior forward Brandon Bowdry is a top 20 all-time scorer and rebouder in EMU history.
Southern Illinois (4-4) vs. Southeast Missouri State (0-9)
SIU Arena; Carbondale, IL
7:05 PM CST
Southeast Missour St. is a wounded dog having lost 17 straight games dating back to last season. SIU rebounded from a loss against New Mexico with a win at Chicago St. They have another great opportunity to get a win and build momentum before the conference season begins. In that game, Mamadou Seck made his first start and capitalized scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
Leon Powell (14.3 ppg) and Anthony Allison (11.4) are the only Redhawk starters averaging double figures. They are coming off an 85-58 loss at Iowa St. Despite the blowout in Ames, SEMS has lost a few close games. Eventually they will get over the hump and SIU will have to watch out.
Illinois State (6-2) vs. Ohio (4-3)
Redbird Arena; Normal, Ill.
7:05 CT
The Redbirds were able to get back on track as they were able to take down Montana State 62-56. Although the competition has not been the toughest this season, the Redbirds have still been an up and down team so far. With Ohio coming to town, they should have the opportunity to piece together a few wins in a row.
The Bobcats of Ohio will hit the road to face Illinois State after falling to Marshall 65-57. The Bobcats should be at a disadvantage in the athleticism department tonight, as the Redbirds should be able to out last Ohio.
Indiana State (3-5) vs. DePaul (3-4)
Terre Haute, IN.
7:05 CT
Indiana State lost a tough one against Wyoming as part of the Mountain West-MVC Challange 81-51. The loss dropped the Sycamores to to 3-5 and are still looking for that spark. They will host DePaul from the Big East tonight, their second shot at an opponent from that conference.
DePaul has always been a bit of a bottom dweller in the Big East, and it doesn’t look like much will change this season as they have limped through the non-conference schedule and currently sit at 3-4. They will enter tonights game after a loss to Central Michigan 71-62.
Duke (8-0) vs. Bradley (4-4)
Cameron Indoor Arena; Durham, N.C.
8:00 CT ESPN2
I have a feeling that when the big wigs at Bradley scheduled this game, they did not anticipate the team to be sitting at 4-4 without Sam Maniscalco, a pre-season All Valley selection. When word of Sam’s injury spread, many, including myself, thought Andrew Warren would have to step up big time. Well, in their most recent loss to Utah, 68-60, Andrew tried to do just that. However, dropping 27 points will not beat a team like Utah, not unless you get some help. And I know for sure it will not beat the #1 team in the Nation.
Duke will play host to the Braves in historic Cameron Indoor Arena tonight on national television. The top team in the land is coming off a rematch of last years National Championship when they played Butler on Saturday afternoon. Duke was able to handle Butler in convincing fashion 82-70. Stacked with amazing talent and a Hall of Fame coach, Duke will be a tough team to beat. But, could this be the huge upset that keeps Jim Les around another year? Tune in tonight…
