Southern Illinois (3-2) @ Southeast Missouri State (3-6)
Show Me Center
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 7:45 PM CT
Almost a month into the season and the Salukis have played just five games. That’s almost one a week since the season started. They are probably the only team that was not in a preseason tournament. Dating back to November 21, the Salukis have lost two of their last three. It started off then with a loss at UNLV, won a a game against Illinois-Chicago, and then were defeated on the road by St. Louis. Against the Billikens Kevin Dillard scored 23. He scored 17 in the previous game and appears to be heating up.
These two teams have one common opponent. The Redhawks also lost at SLU, falling by 18, 59-41. They went on to lose five of their first six games. It didn’t look good for the Redhawks but they’ve regrouped by winning two of their last three. Even though it is early in the season, they are two games into Ohio Valley Conference play. A balanced Redhawk offense will greet the Salukis. They have five players averaging between 7 and 10 points led by Anthony Allison. He had 18 in their last win at Tennessee State which snapped a 17-game conference road losing streak. The Redhawks also have the reigning OHV Freshman of the Week Derek Thompson.
– Panon
Ball Sate (2-3) @ Indiana State (5-2)
Terre Haute, Indiana
Hulman Center 7:05 CT
Ball State started red hot, winning their first two games of the season. Then they dropped their last three games including their most recent loss to a top rated Butler team 59-38. On the other side, Coach McKenna has had the Sycamores playing some good basketball early in the season with an impressive 5-2 mark. Tonight’s game against Ball State should be a walk in the park for ISU, and I would be shocked if this one was closer that 10 by the time it was all said and done.
– Paul Liberty
Tennessee-Martin (1-5) @ Missouri State (7-0)
Springfield, MO
JQH Arena 7:05 CT
Well, Missouri State stretched their winning streak to seven while taking care of Air Force on December 5th. The Bears, one of the biggest surprises this early season have been playing some excellent basketball and have shown the ability to share the rock and not rely on one player to carry the load. With the win over the Falcons, Missouri State was able to not only remain undefeated, but chalk one up in the win column for the MVC for the MVC/Mountain West Challenge.
The Bears will be at home once again this season as they play host to Tennessee-Martin who is coming into the game with a dismal 1-5 record. This one should be a cake walk for the Bears, but hopefully they don’t get caught looking ahead and underestimate their opponent. Look for a big win here.
– Paul Liberty
Wichita State (7-1) @ UMKC (4-3)
Kansas City, MO
Municipal Auditorium 7:05 CT
The UMKC will host the Shockers of Wichita State tonight in Kansas City. The Kangaroos are coming off a dramatic victory over Centenary 84-83 where they overcame a 10 point deficit with under 4 minutes to play. This victory could prove as a great confidence builder for a struggling team, but they will have an eye opener tonight.
Wichita State has been on a bit of a tear since their loss to Pittsburgh, including their last victim USC-Upstate, whom the Shockers made very easy work of with a 72-45 victory. WSU should not have much trouble with the Kangaroos, and wouldn’t be surprised if this game dropped UMKC back down to Earth where they will land with a 5-3 record.
– Paul Liberty
