Indiana State (11-7,3-4) @ Missouri State (13-5,3-4)
JHQ Arena
Springfield, MO 7:05 CT
TV: Fox Sports Net
This will be a battle to get back on track, as each team will be looking to avoid a three game losing streak. The Sycamores of Indiana State are coming off an ugly loss to league leader Northern Iowa, 62-40. The loss put ISU at sub .500 in conference play and not in a position they want to be in. They will need a win tonight against a team in a similar situation in order to try and make their way out of the bottom half of the Valley.
The Bears of Missouri State, as they have two losses in a row and were recently knocked to sub .500 level in an ugly game against Bradley, to the tune of 74-56. The Bears were the story of the Valley in the non-conference season, but have proven that they are the team we all thought they would be come conference play. The only reason I like the Bears in this one is that they are at home. This is not exactly the match up I would like to display on national TV. Although it may be close, I don’t think it will be pretty.
– Paul Liberty
Northern Iowa (16-1,7-0) @ Wichita State (16-3,5-2)
Koch Arena
Wichita, KS 8:00 CT
TV: ESPNU
Well, as we all know, Gregg Marshall is a bit annoyed right now. He dropped a game in Omaha that came down to the Shockers not fouling with time running out. Or as Gregg would call it, the refs not calling a foul. He will have the opportunity tonight to make a statement as they will play host to the top team in the Valley when UNI comes to town.
The Panthers, who broke into the top 25 this week in both polls, will have their hands full when they take on a very angry WSU team. With a blowout win over Indiana State, 62-40, you could tell that the Panthers were not looking ahead to this game. Northern Iowa is loaded with experience and will be able to handle the crowd tonight. However, I still think that WSU will have UNI’s number and will beat UNI. This will be a good one gang, and I for one am excited to watch.
– Paul Liberty