Illinois State (14-6,5-4) @ Wichita State (17-4,6-3)
Koch Arena
Wichita, KS 6:05 CT
TV: FSN
With one minute remaining, the Shockers had the ball trailing the red hot Drake Bulldogs by nine points. The average Shocker fan was probably thinking they had a chance to make it close. You hit a three; bring it within six points, get a stop and you are in good shape. However, they have Gregg “Double G” Marshal as their fearless leader. Instead of making it a game, Double G gets himself a technical foul. Drake hits their shots, get the ball and is able to close out an impressive win over WSU.
The Shockers will be returning to the friendly confines of Koch Arena tonight where they will host the Redbirds of Illinois Star in a crucial game in terms of MVC standings. With the logjam that is third place, the Shockers have the chance to further themselves from the pact or join the crowd and make it a big tie for second place.
The Redbirds should come into this game with a bit of a chip on their shoulder as they were beaten in a one point overtime thriller with Southern Illinois. The Redbirds have been a bit consistent this season as they have dropped some games many thought they should have one. This evening , they will look to hand WSU their first loss at home this year, and I will be routing for them as a fan of another team stuck in that jam for third looking to climb.
– Paul Liberty
Evansville (6-13,0-9) @ Missouri State (14-6,4-5)
JHQ Arena
Springfield, MO 7:05 CT
TV: NONE
This game will not have as many implications on the standings as the game above, but it may prove important for the dreaded Thursday Night Play-In Round. The Bears are coming off a tough match up with our beloved Bluejays on Sunday night where they were unable to close out a game that may have had one of the more famous technical fouls in CU history. The Bears should like their chances in their match up tonight as they take on the winless Evansville Purple Aces.
The Aces will need a lot of luck for tonight’s game to fall their way, but you never know what is going to happen on a basketball court. Who am I kidding, unless they bring bach the sleeves, I would chalk this one up to the Bears.
– Paul Liberty
Drake (10-11, 5-4) @ #25 Northern Iowa (17-2, 8-1)
McLeod Center
Cedar Falls, IA 7:05 CT
TV: KWWL
The Panthers look to go 3-0 so far this season against teams in the state of Iowa after wins against Iowa and Iowa State. After getting their win streak snapped last week, they got one win under their belts in what they hope will be another double-digit win streak. Despite the loss, they hung on to #25 in the coaches poll. They were also helped out by this same Drake team. With Drake’s win over Wichita State, the Panthers still go back to leading the conference by two games.
Drake comes in with a 5-game winning streak. Their last win was at home against Wichita St. They now must leave the Dog Pound, where they won three of those games, and travel up to Cedar Falls. Can they continue their hot shooting? Josh Young and Adam Templeton have had the hot hand from the outside. Their offense is picking up the pace behind MVC Newcomer of the week Frank Wiseler. The sophomore from Luxembourg average 10.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in their two wins. Drake has been scoring in bunches. UNI keeps the score low. One of them will have to give tonight.
– Panon