Evansville (7-8, 1-4) vs. Drake (7-9, 2-3)
Roberts Stadium; Evansville, IN
7:05 PM CST
Evansville is a different team at home. At Roberts Stadium last Sunday, they gave the Creighton Bluejays all they could handle in a 74-69 defeat. The schedule makers haven’t made their season any easier either. Their first five games have been against the top four teams in the league and UNI, currently sixth. As the schedule eases up for the Purple Aces, expect them to pick up a few more wins.
Drake is coming off a 62-57 defeat at the Knapp Center, their first loss at home in conference play. They have yet to pick up a road win in the conference. Roberts Stadium has been friendly as of late for the Bulldogs winning four of the last six. Against Indiana St., a Rayvonte Rice 3-point attmept with 12 seconds would have tied the game.
Illinois State (8-8, 0-5) vs. UNI (11-6, 2-3)
Redbird Arena; Peoria, Ill.
7:05 CST
The Redbirds of Illinois State have been struggling as of late. OK, that is a bit of an understatement. Illinois State has yet to find their first win in MVC play, as they most recently feel victim to Southern Illinois 63-59. With a UNI team coming to town, the Redbirds will need to improve from last game, but should have a shot if all goes well.
Although they are not 0-5, the Panthers of UNI have had some struggles of their own this season, including two heart breaking home losses to get the conference slate going. They were able to handle the winless Braves on Saturday, 83-77, and will hope to keep the Redbirds out of the win column as well. With the inconsistency the Panthers have shown this season, this game could go either way.
Bradley (6-10, 0-5) vs Indiana State (9-7, 4-1)
Carver Arena; Peoria, Ill.
7:05 CST
Well, what else can you say about the Braves besides they have been laying some bad basketball with a lot of their stars missing. They most recently fell to Northern Iowa 83-77, and have been struggling all year with the lack of help on the court. Although the hair has changed a bit for Jim Les, it has done nothing to help his boys win games.
The Sycamores could be crowned “surprise team” so far this season, as they have been able to post a 4-1 MVC record and currently hold a share of second place. Yes it is early, but often early success had go a long way for a teams confidence.
Missouri State (13-3, 5-0) vs. Southern Illinois (9-7, 3-2)
JHQ Arena; Springfield, MO
7:05 CST
I will say it, Missouri State has been very impressive this season. After not winning a game on the road in the MVC since last January, the Bears have hit the road and won in Omaha and Wichita, two of the tougher venues in the leauge. Now, headed to the third toughest to play in Carbondale, they will also be carrying a perfect MVC record. All alone in first place, the Bears will hope to return home the same way.
If there is one thing the Salukis and their fans would love, it would to be able to hand any team their first loss in conference play. Both of these squads have played great defense all season, and should be a struggle for both sides to put up points. This one will be close, and low scoring.