Indiana State (12-8, 7-2) vs. Evansville (10-9, 4-5)
Hulman Center; Terre Haute, IN
6:05 CST
Well, the Sycamores can definetly say they gave the Shockers everything they could on Saturday night. Wichita State and Indiana State battled for 55 minutes, yes, three overtimes to finish with a 93-83 Shocker win. Heading into the game, many wondered if the Sycamores were a legit contender in the Valley. They were coming off two games that they won at the buzzer, and were surprisingly in first place. They knew Wichita would be a tough place to play, and I believe they showed all the doubters out there that they are for real. Anyone who takes on the Sycamores this season better be ready for a battle, because they will not give up; just ask Missouri State, Wichita State, and Creighton.
The Purple Aces are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead tonight. There has been some magical finishes this season at the Hulman Center, and most of them going the way of the Trees. The Aces are coming off a win over Bradley last weekend 70-67, and will most likely be underdogs tonight. Lets see if the Aces can catch the Sycamores looking ahead to Creighton and pull off the upset.
Bradley (6-14,0-9) vs. Illinois State (9-11,1-8)
Carver Arena; Peoria, IL
7:05 CST
Well, this rivalry is not exactly as hot as it has been in previous years. Two of the worst teams in the Valley will face off tonight, but at least one now has a conference win. Illinois State was able to get a notch in the win column last weekend as they took out the Salukis of Souther Illinois 59-55. Tony Lewis lead the way for the Redbirds with 15 points, and wil look to make it two in a row as they face off against the Braves tonight.
Bradley almost got the first win over the weekend as well, but fell short against Evansville 67-70. Jim Les and the Braves just don’t have the fire power this season after the team was hit hard with injuries during the off season. Although Les continues to fight and coach, it looks to be a long year for Braves fans. Sitting winless halfway through the season is not like the Braves, but hopefully the home crowd and the fire that comes with a rivalry game will get them over the hump tonight.
Southern Illinois (10-10, 4-5) vs. Wichita St. (16-4, 7-2)
SIU Arena; Carbondale, IL
6:05 CST
If there’s every a opportune time to play the Shockers, the Salukis have it about as close as you can get. They get a Shocker team that has to travel to Carbondale four days after they are pushed to three overtime game against Indiana St. The Shockers were able to prevail by 10, but we’ll find out Wednesday night what is left in the tank. Will they lose their legs in the second half? It’s not very often you will see a box score where six players logged 30 minutes or more as in the case of the Shockers last Saturday.
Gene Teague faces a challenge at home tonight going against a front line that features Gabe Blair, Garrett Stutz, and J.T. Durley. Carlton Fay and Mamadou Sek will have to be willing and eager to help out down low. Coming off a loss against Illinois St., Coach Lowry has to be able to get the most of out of team, especially at home.