Bradley (6-6, 0-1) vs. Wichita State (10-2, 1-0)
Carver Arena; Peoria, Ill.
6:30 CST ESPNU
On December 29th, we discussed how the match up against Indiana State and Bradley was going to be one of those games where the team that won could use the momentum heading into the Valley, but the team that lost could be in tough shape this season. Well, it looks like the Braves could be in a world of hurt this season as they fell to the Sycamore 80-66. Their opponent tonight will not give them much of a chance to recover, as they play host to Wichita State.
The Shockers are coming off an impressive 91-57 whipping of Evansville last Wednesday, and seem to be on a mission to take the Valley with little doubt of their ability at the end of the season. As we have mentioned before, Gregg Marshall has these young men hungry, and Evansville was just an appetizer.
Missouri State (9-3, 1-0) vs. Illinois State (8-4, 0-1)
JHQ Arena; Springfield, MO
7:05 CST
Kyle Weems hit a three pointer with under 2 seconds remaining to give the Bears a 58-57 victory over the UNI Pathers on Wednesday. The victory was huge for Coach Martin and the Bears, as it was their first Valley road win since last January. Missouri State will use that win as motivation as they return home to take on the Redbirds of Illinois State.
ISU-Red is coming off a loss to Creighton, as they simply had no answer for big Greg E, as many in the Valley will not. The Redbirds simply did not look like the Illinois State of old as they seemed to run out of gas in the middle of the second half. They will need a full tank as they travel to Springfield, because the Bears will not be any easier tonight.
Southern Illinoins (6-6, 0-1) vs. Northern Iowa (9-4, 0-1)
SIU Arena; Carbondale, IL
1:05 CST
Chris Lowry said yesterday that Gene Teague is a game-time decision. Without him, the Salukis are a different basketball team. Carlton Fay slides down to play the 5 and Mamadou Seck fills in at the 4. That is not where Chris Lowry perfers to have them. Teague injuried his ankle early in the week before their game against Drake. Without him, they lost 69-55 on the road.
The Panthers are coming off a game in which victory appeared to be theirs. A Johnny Moran 3-pointer with 12 seconds left gave UNI a 2 point lead. The Panthers victory was flushed away with a Kyle Weems 3-pointer as time expired. The key to moving on is forgetting that game. If not, the Salukis have a better shot at an upset.
Evansville (6-5, 0-1) vs. Indiana St. (6-6, 1-0)
Roberts Stadium; Evansville, IN
7:05 CST
MVC TV
Watch out for the Sycamores! They built a 17-point halftime lead, leading 39-22, at home and cruised to an 80-66 win. Dwayne Lathan (18 points) and Aaron Carter (19 points) let Indiana St., who finished with four players in double figures. They hit the road tonight looking to go 2-0 early in the Valley season. After seeing the way Wichita St. played against Evansville, the Sycamores have to like their chances.
The Purple Aces return home to Roberts Stadium. Their first game, at Wichita St., wasn’t what they expected. After giving up 38 points in the first half, Evansville’s defense allowed 53 in the second half. The lone bright spot for the Purple Aces was Colt Ryan. The sophomore guard finished with 18 points. Opening up on the road at the preseason favorite is no easy task. Tonight presents a more winnable game.