Illinois State (16-8,7-6) @ Bradley (12-11,7-6)
Carver Arena
Peoria, Ill. 7:05 CT
TV: Comcast – Ill.
The conference race is the tightest it has been in years, at least for the third place spot. Currently there is a three-way tie for third with Creighton, Illinois State, and Bradley. Then, just south of the tie for third, you have Missouri State, Drake, and Indiana State ready to pounce. Each team will need to capitalize on all the chances they get, and tonight will be a big get for the winner of the I-74 Rivalry game.
Illinois State has been on a bit of an up and down stretch as of late, with a big win over Bradley January 30, then dropping a game at Indiana State and squeaking away with a home victory over Drake at home. The Redbirds will need to right the ship for the home stretch as they will need some consistency to keep their heads above water. Not including the game tonight, two of the remaining four conference games will be played against teams currently in the lower half of the league. Win tonight, and they could be in good shape going into St. Louis.
The Braves would love nothing more than to get some revenge after an embarrassing loss to the Redbirds January 30, as they were humiliated 66-47. That loss was the last for the Braves, who have gone on to beat Drake and Evansville in their last two conference games, putting them right in the thick of things. A win tonight will be a much needed victory, and could help them build some confidence for the road ahead. The Braves will face UNI, Wichita State, and Creighton in three of their final four conference games.
As for most rivalries, I tend to throw all stats and streaks out the window. I like the Braves in this one, for the reasons of pride and revenge. Jim Les has been around the Valley for a long time, and he knows how important this final stretch will be.
– Paul Liberty
Wichita State (20-4, 9-4) @ Evansville (6-17, 0-13)
Roberts Stadium
Evansville, IN 7:05 CT
Evansville is coming off another loss. That makes 13 now, but who’s really counting. When two underclassmen leading the team, maybe it’s time to start looking toward the future. Is there a better freshman in the league than Colt Ryan? He’s lit up the Jays for a career-high 26 and then topped that with 31 last week. Will the home crowd be enough against a tougher Wichita State team? Doesn’t seem likely.
It took the Shockers over a half of basketball to get over that close loss to UNI last week. Trailing most of the game against the Sycamores, they rallied late for the come from behind win. Tonight will be the first of a lighter conference schedule the rest of the way. Gregg Marshall has time to prep his squad for a late season push to the Big Dance. They may not have the resume to get in now but a strong finish could change that.
– Panon