Missouri State (17-8,7-7) @ Wichita State (20-6,9-5)
Koch Arena
Wichita, KS 7:05 CT
TV: ESPNU
Missouri State will be looking to kick Wichita State while they are down. The Bears are coming off a wild battle with the Salukis of Southern Illinois, where they were able to come out victorious 77-72. With a big chunk of the points coming from junior Jermaine Mallett’s career high 22 points, including 11 straight free throws down the stretch. Oh, and he also had a game high 9 rebounds as well. With the win, the bears were able to stay within striking distance of third place while in a tie for fourth with Bradley.
Wichita State, on the other hand, did not have quite the positive experience the Bears had. Everyone in the Valley figured the Shockers would leave Evansville with another W and the Purple Aces still looking for their first conference win. Not so fast. The Aces pulled off the biggest in the Valley this season as they knocked off the Shockers 65-62. The loss put WSU in a situation they would rather not be in. With only a handful of games remaining, they will now be playing with the winner of the CU – Ill. St. breathing down their neck. If they were to drop the game tonight, they will be tied with either school.
As much as I would like to see the double G and the gang in a tie for second, I just don’t see the Shockers dropping one at home against the Bears. Redbird and Creighton fans will have their eyes on this one, and it should be a good one.
– Paul Liberty