Southern Illinois (13-9, 5-7) @ #22/#24 Northern Iowa (20-2, 11-1)
McLeod Center
Cedar Falls, IA 5:00 CT
TV: ESPN2
The Valley’s best, UNI, will square on against SIU on ESPN2. Tough task taking on the Panthers at the McLeod Center, where they are 10-0 there this season and have won 11 straight. The Panthers seemingly wrapped up the Valley regular season title with their win against Wichita State earlier in the week. With a 3 game lead and 6 games to play, you can start engraving that regular season trophy with the Panthers name. They’re playing now for seeding in the NCAA Tournament.
The Salukis picked up a nice win over Missouri State on Wednesday. Gene Teague has been an improving player for the Salukis in the second half of this season. Teauge scored a career-high 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in that game. The Salukis have no easy task in trying to win at UNI. The Salukis have just two conference road wins. Those two games are at Evansville and at Bradley (just like the Jays). Teague vs. Jordan Eglseder should be the match-up to watch.
– Panon
Bradley (11-11, 6-6) @ Evansville (6-16, 0-12)
Roberts Stadium
Evansville, IN 4:05 CT
TV: Fox Sports Net
Why not show up at Roberts Stadium on Saturday? The game against the Braves will feature $1 hot dogs, popcorn, and Pepsi products. Will Coach Simmons do a Mark Sanchez impression and eat a hot dog while on the bench?
The Purple Aces are coming off a tough game in Omaha. Colt Ryan’s career-high 31 was not enough against a hot shooting Jays team. This freshman does not appear to be hitting the “freshman wall” just yet and keeps chugging along. Their current losing streak is up to 12 after picking up a pair of wins in their final two non-conference games. Tough games the rest of the way in conference, this may be their last chance for a conference win.
The Braves have won eight of the last night againt the Purple Aces. Earlier in the season Bradley won by 10 in Peoria. Sam Maniscalco lead the Braves with 19 and all five starters were in double figures. Another balanced scoring attack will keep the Evansville defense on their toes.
– Panon
Indiana State (14-9,6-6) @ Wichita State (19-5,8-4)
Koch Arena
Wichita, KS 7:05 CT
TV: Cox – Kansas
It was an evening of upsets and near upsets when these two teams last played on Wednesday night against their respective opponents. Indiana State was able to surprise the Redbirds of Illinois State by handing them a 72-65 loss that not many expected. There was a loss, however, as Indiana State will be without the assistance of Harry Marshal for the next few weeks due to a stress fracture. Marshall was the go-to player on a Sycamore squad that was already hurting from a number of other injuries. They will need a miracle to pull off another upset as they to Wichita.
Koch Arena has been quite the home court advantage for the Shockers this season, where they have yet to lose a game. After a tough battle with league leader UNI, the Shox will look to rebound tonight against a short handed Sycamore team. Call me crazy, but I really don’t see Gregg Marshall calling off the dogs early if this one gets out of hand. With many saying that WSU will need to win the MVC to get into the dance, he will want to prove they are a top “mid-major” that should get an at-large bid. And what better way to make statement than blowing out your opponent?
– Paul Liberty
Drake (11-13,6-6) @ Illinois State (15-8,6-6)
Redbird Arena
Normal, Ill. 7:05 CT
TV: Comcast – Bloomington
After many were talking about how hot the Bulldogs have been, they were unable to separate themselves from the mess that is fourth place in the Valley when they fell to Bradley in a close midweek battle 67-65. They will not have an easy rebound game as they head to Normal to take on an angry Illinois State team that just lost to Indiana State.
Redbird Arena should provide some good atmosphere for the home team tonight, and I have a feeling they will be able to take out some of their frustrations on Drake. This one may be close, but I like the home team. Look for ISU Red to put together a solid game that involves a few finishing in double figures, and I would be shocked if Seth VanDeest was able to handle Dinma Odiakosa the way he handled Kenny Lawson.
– Paul Liberty
