Indiana State (16-2,8-8) @ Illinois State (20-8,10-6)
Redbird Arena
Normal, Ill,. 7:05 CT
TV: None
After a disappointing loss to Wisconsin-Green Bay on Saturday, the Sycamores of Indiana State will look to refocus on the final conference stretch as they travel to Normal Illinois to face the Redbirds. After leading the majority of the game, ISU Blue fell behind with 13 seconds on the clock and was unable to close out what could have been a great win on a frustrating season. However, Kevin and the gang have put together a three game conference win streak and have placed themselves in a tie for fourth place.
The Redbirds are all alone in third place in the Valley, and can’t afford to let any of the games they “should” win go to waste. They were able to take care of Morehead State on Saturday, and should be able to handle business tonight. Win or lose, McKenna gets my vote for coach of the year, but I have a feeling I will be voting after a loss by ISU tonight.
– Paul Liberty
Drake (13-16,7-9) @ Missouri State (18-10,7-9)
JHQ Arena
Springfield, MO 7:05 CT
TV: Mediacom- MO
Drake and Missouri State will face off in an important match-up for conference tournament seeding, as they are currently in a tie for 5th place. As both teams were able to novk off their respected Bracketbusters foe over the weekend, they will need to put up a good fight tonight.
Missouri State showed early in the season that they are no slouch at home, but they will be facing a Drake team that will push solid fundamental basketball against their young squad. I like the Bears tonight, as I think they have been able to show a bit more in the second half of the conference season.
– Paul Liberty
Wichita State (22-7,11-5) @ Bradley (14-13,8-8)
Carver Arena
Peoria, Ill. 7:05 CT
TV: Cox – Kansas
Well, the Shockers dropped another one on the road, and this one was big. If people were under the impression that the loss to Evansville was not enough to keep them out of the group of at-large teams, the loss to Utah State certainly did the trick. It seems like the Shockers are a different team away from home and just can’t put a solid game together on the road.
The Bradley Braves wil welcome the Shockers tonight, and will be ready to hand them yet another devastating blow. With Jim Less at the helm, I like the Braves chances in this one. If the players can’t outplay the Shockers, I am 100% sure Jim Les can out coach Gregg Marshall. Braves by 7.
– Paul Liberty