Wichita State (15-4, 6-2) vs. Indiana State (12-7, 7-1)
Koch Arena; Wichita, KS
7:05 CST
So, at the beginning of the season, if I were to tell you the game between Wichita and Indiana State was going to be a battle between first and second place in the Valley, would you believe me? Maybe, but not is I said it was Indiana State in front. The Sycamores have been the surprise of the Valley this season, and they kept their crazy run going when they handed the Bears of Missouri State their first loss on Wednesday night in dramatic fashion.
With the win, the Sycamores will carry a lot of momentum into a very hostile Koch Arena, where they will face an angry Wichita State team that missed an opportunity to sneak into a tie for first. With the Bears falling to ISU-Blue, the Shockers would simply have to beat the Panthers of UNI. Not so fast. The Panthers handed the Shockers their second conference loss in a 74-77 close contest. If Indiana State can come out of Wichita with a W, I have to think they are the real deal.
Northern Iowa (14-6, 5-3) vs. Drake (8-11, 3-5)
McLeod Center; Cedar Falls, IA
7:05 CST
ESPN3.com & ESPN Full Court
Right up there with Indiana St. as one of the hottest teams in the league is Northern Iowa. The Panthers have won four in a row and five of their last six. With Drake coming to town, it’s prime opportunity to extend that streak to five in a row. Kwadzo Ahelegbe (21 points) and Anthony James (20 points) had big games against Wichita St. on the road to pull out the win on Wednesday. Today starts a big two game home stretch where if they win those two games, the Valley takes notice as the Panthers as a conference contender.
The Bulldogs look to win back-to-back games for just the third time this season. It’s not going to be easy for the Bulldogs today. Last time they played UNI, in the Valley tournament, Drake was held to just 40 points. Rayvonte Rice scored 18 points and had 8 rebounds in an 8-point win against Illinois St. Rice will need a big game if the Bulldogs look to pick up a tough road win.