Indiana State (13-12, 8-6) vs. Drake (11-14, 6-8)
Hulman Center, Terra Haute, IN
7:05 CST
The Sycamores were able to get back on the winning track this week as the took care of Illinois State 56-46. The low scoring affair was not necessarily due to defense, as these two schools have struggled the past few weeks.
The Sycamores will stay at home as they welcome in the Drake Bulldogs who are coming off a huge win over the Creighton Bluejays on Tuesday night. Although the score read 67-64, the Bulldogs controlled this game from the beginning. This game will mean a lot in conference tournament seeding.
Bradley (8-17, 2-12) vs. Evansville (14-10, 8-6)
Carver Arena; Peoria, Ill
7:00 CST
Bradley almost pulled off what many considered the impossible when they went toe to toe with Missouri State. Even holding the lead for a large chunk off the game, the Braves just didn’t have enough in the tank as they fell 69-77.
The Purple Aces, however, had plenty in the tank as they took out UNI 70-62. The Aces were able to pull off the upset against the Panthers, and a win tonight should come a bit easier.
Illinois State (11-14, 3-11) vs. MSU (19-6, 11-3)
Redbird Arena; Peoria, Ill.
7:00 CST
ESPN3.com & ESPN Full Court
With yet another loss on their Valley resume, this one to Indiana State, the Redbirds will hope to use a little home court magic to beat the Bears of Missouri State.
The Bears, coming off a narrow escape of Bradley 77-69, will need to focus on this one as we have all seen what the Redbirds can do at home. Weems was able to will the Bears to victory with hs 27 points against Bradley, and he should be tough to stop again tonight. I like the Bears in this one.
Northern Iowa (18-8, 9-5) vs. Wichita St. (20-5, 11-3)
McLeod Center; Cedar Falls, IA
9:00 CST
ESPN2 & ESPN3.com
What a difference a couple weeks makes. A few weeks ago this match-up seemed like it would be first place in the Valley. A season ending injury to Lucas O’Rear and the Panthers just aren’t the same team they used to be. It will take some time to figure out how to play without him. In the mean time, they lost back-to-back games at Drake and Evansville. Senior Kwadzo Ahelegbe needs to step for the Panthers and provide additional leadership.
Wichita is hanging out to first with Missouri St. Before the Shockers play the Bears on the final weekend of the season with the Valley season, Wichita must take care of business and stay on top. The mission was not accomplished last Tuesday in losing to SIU at home. The first time in a month, the Shockers failed to score more than 60 points. They’re facing a motivated Panther team which is playing their first home game in three games. Senior leaders J.T. Durley and Toure’ Murry will need to get off to a fast start on the road. They need to keep the McLeod Center crowd out of the game.