Missouri State (19-10,8-9) @ Indiana State (16-13,8-9)
Hulman Center
Terra Haute, Ind. 1:05 CT
TV: WTWO
The Bears are coming off a pounding of the Drake Bulldogs on Wednesday night, where they were able to post a 75-59 victory. With the last game of the season, the Bears will most likely be playing on Friday as the either the 5 or 6 seed. They can do no worse than a 6 seed, so they will be looking to have a quality tune up before the tournament begins.
Missouri State will travel to Terra Haute, Ind. To face the Sycamores on Indiana State who is coming off a game with a similar score to the Bears, but the Sycamores were on the wrong end of a beat down. Illinois State was able to nock the Sycamores out early as they rolled to a 75-58 victory. Coach McKenna, who I still believe deserves some consideration for Coach of the Year, will lead his bruised and battered team to St. Louis a no worse than a 6 seed and a possible 5 seed. It has been a frustrating season for the Sycamores, but they have played with a ton of heart and I commend them for that.
I like Indiana State in one more upset bid. Senior night in Terra Haute, win one for McKenna.
– Paul Liberty
Southern Illinois (15-13,6-11) @ Wichita State (22-8,11-6)
Koch Arena
Wichita, KS 12:00 CT
TV: FSN
It has been a frustrating season for the Saluki’s of Southern Illinois, and it didn’t get any better on senior night last Tuesday. With an eight point lead with seven minutes to play, Creighton was able to come storming back and push the game into overtime. Once overtime began, the game was over. The Bluejays were able to take over the game and come out of Carbondale with an 83-78 win in a very hostile environment. With the loss, the Salukis became a lock for the #9 seed in Arch Madness.
As for Wichita State, well, that else can you say about a team that was playing out of their minds and seem unable to close the season out. With yet another hick-up in the hopes for a decent NCAA Tournament resume, it seems as thought the Shocker will need to win the Valley Tournament in order to join the field. The loss on Wednesday to Bradley certainly did not help things, and actually allowed the Redbirds of Illinois State to tie them for second place in the Valley. As for their seeding in the tournament, I will let our friend “Sign Guy” explain:
Game #1: Southern Illinois @ Wichita State (noon CST)
What’s at stake : a chance for Gregg to have an aneurysm. Wichita State is currently tied with ISUred for the #2-seed. A Shocker win puts the pressure on ISUred to win Saturday night to remain tied. Obviously a Wichita State win + ISUred loss would give Wichita State the #2-seed. But, this is where it gets interesting: if both Wichita State & ISUred win on Saturday and end at 12-6, ISUred wins the tie-breaker on power points and gets the #2-seed, with Wichita State the #3-seed. However, if both Wichita State & ISUred lose on Saturday and finish tied at 11-7, then Wichita State wins the tie-breaker on power points and gets the #2-seed, with ISUred getting the #3-seed. A Southern Illinois win + a Drake loss and the Salukis and Bulldogs finish T-8th, which is important for power point purposes.
WSU has not lost at home all season, and I don’t see them dropping one today. WSU wins in a close game, but they better not take the Saluki’s lightly.
– Paul Liberty
Illinois State (21-8, 11-6) @ Northern Iowa (24-4, 14-3)
McLeod Center
Cedar Falls, IA 7:05 CT
TV: ESPN2
It’s senior day all over the Valley. UNI has a group to salute that many in the Valley will be glad to see go. Jordan Eglseder returns from his 3-game suspension to play. Along with Eglseder, seniors Ali Farokhmanesh, Brian Haak, Adam Koch, and Adam Rodenberg will be playing their last game. The Panthers need to regroup from a loss in Evansville that leaves many questioning their at-large possibilities if they don’t win it all in St. Louis.
The Redbirds will have payback on their mind. UNI came to Normal earlier in the season and handed ISU a 59-44 win. They’ll need to score more than 44 to defeat the Panthers. With an undefeated record at home so far, the task doesn’t get any easier for the Redbirds. The Redbirds could end up the #2 for next week’s tournament. With that, you play a team who played the night before in the play-in game.
– Panon
Evansville (8-20, 2-15) @ Drake (13-17, 7-10)
Knapp Center
Des Moines, IA 4:05 CT
TV: None
Not much to watch here leaving reason for any television crews to come out and broadcast it. Evansville will be the #10 seed next week. Drake can finish in a tie for 7th or 8th, thanks to help from Sign Guy’s legwork.
Evansville pulled off the surprise of the season, taking down UNI at Roberts Stadium. The victory trumps their home win against Wichita State as upset of the conference season. The Purple Aces can’t be teams like Illinois-Chicago at home but manage to beat UNI. The AP reported fans stormed the court but there weren’t enough to call it an actual storm. It seems like their fans flurried or drizzled the court. Coach Simmons has his team playing well with the win but it may be too little too late for this season.
Drake will send off four seniors today, Josh Young, Craig Stanley, Adam Templeton, and Bill Eaddy. They are coming off a 16-point loss to Missouri State. Young, Stanley, and Templeton have shown they can shoot the ball well at the Knapp Center. They may not need the hottest of shooting hands against the Purple Aces today but either way, they should give the fans something to cheer about.
– Panon