Southern Illinois (13-10,5-8) @ Missouri State (16-8,6-7)
JHQ Arena
Springfield, MO
TV: Mediacom – IL.
Neither one of these teams will be making much noise in the conference rankings win or lose tonight, as they are both currently in a tough spot. They will, however, be familiar with each other as they faced off less than a week ago in a 73-67 win for Southern Illinois. Each team will be coming off emotional games, one that ended in a loss and what that ended in a dominating win.
First, there was the battle between Southern Illinois and Northern Iowa. Let’s keep in mind that SIU has been known for years for their stout defense and low scoring games. Factor in a Northern Iowa team that is third in the nation in scoring defense and you have a game that is not exactly “exciting” to your normal basketball fan. With a whopping halftime score of 18-18, yeah, 18-18, the game was anyone’s to take in the second stanza, and it seemed like SIU would. With a six point lead with about 3 min. to play, the Saluki’s were unable to finish the job. With foul trouble, missed free throws, and Adam Koch (11pts. in final 3 min.) deciding the final 3 minutes, UNI was able to prevail once again on their home court. The Saluki’s will look to carry over the tough defense when they travel to Springfield tonight to face a team on a different rush.
The Bears embarrassed the Bluejays on Saturday night, and if you are a regular reader of our site, then you know why I will not go into much detail about the game. With a lead as big as 28 points, the Bears simply man-handled Creighton in a lopsided 70-52 win. They will try to carry over that energy and passion as the host Southern, and will do anything to stay out of the dreaded Thursday night play in round. This one could turn out to be a decent game, but I like the Bears in a hard fought game. Maybe this will help the loss on Saturday not look as bad. Nah.
-Paul Liberty
Northern Iowa (21-2, 12-1) @ Drake (11-14, 6-7)
Knapp Center
Des Moines, IA 7:05 CT
TV: Mediacom-Iowa
If the Panthers didn’t have reason enough to celebrate a potential regular season MVC title after their recent win against Wichita State, they can now. A Shocker loss on Tuesday gives the Panthers a four game lead with five to play. A win tonight and they clinch a share of the title. Playing an in-state rival should add fuel to the fire. They already have one win over Drake and wins against Iowa and Iowa State. Another win and they are 4-0 against the in-state D-I schools.
Drake is playing to avoid a Thursday night game in St. Louis. A win tonight and they’re in a tie for fifth. A loss (pending the Bradley outcome) and they fall to one of the bottom four seeds. Following a five-game winning streak the Bulldogs have lossed three of four, all on the road. Will the Knapp Center be intimidating enough for Bulldogs to pull out a win? Against a veteran Panther team it will be tough.
– Panon