Wichita State (13-2,2-1) @ Missouri State (12-2,2-1)
JQH Arena
Springfield, MO 7:05 CT COX-Kansas
This should be a real test for both teams involved in this one. Missouri State had an impressive non-conference season, all be it against some lesser opponents, and will be looking to validate their 12-2 overall mark against a good Wichita State team tonight. Coming off the loss to UNI, 84-76 on Sunday, the Bears know they will have their hands full against a well rounded Shockers team. In typical UNI fashion, the Panthers were able to overcome a second half deficit by putting together a 16-2 run to take one away from the Bears.
The Shockers will be coming into Springfield after taking care of Bradley 81-69, led by an impressive 19 points from J.T. Durley. Coach Gregg Marshall seems to have his players playing into his system and playing as a team. It seems as though there is a solid group of four or five teams that are really ready to compete for the crown this season, and you will get to see to of them tonight. This one should be close, but I like the style of WSU a bit more in this one. Look for a high scoring game, and a W for the Shockers.
– Paul Liberty
Indiana State (10-4,2-1) @ Bradley (6-7,1-2)
Carver Arena
Peoria, Ill 7:05 CT
What can you say about Indiana State. They have been all over the place this season, winning games they should and shouldn’t win and losing games they should and shouldn’t. Keven McKenna had the Sycamores playing some great basketball when they stick to the play and put out a solid defensive effort. They will travel to Peoria this evening to play a struggling Bradley team and this is, in my opinion, one of those games they should win.
Although the Braves were able to hang with WSU for a while, they were ultimately out-played by the Shockers and suffered a 81-69 loss. Jim Less has his work cut out for him this season and will have his hands full once again tonight. Although the Sycamores will be without transfer Jake Kelly, suffered a season ending knee injury against SIU, they should still be to much for the Braves.
– Paul Liberty
Illinois State (11-3, 2-1) @ Evansville (6-7, 0-3)
Roberts Stadium
Evansville, IN 7:05 CT Comcast-Bloomington
The Redbirds can’t have a let down tonight after a tough win against Southern Illinois on Sunday night. Given the results of the last two games the Redbirds played at Roberts Stadium, it won’t be an easy night because each game was only a 2-point Redbirds win. It was senior Lloyd Phillips who scored 21 in the win on Sunday. Osiris was held to just 14 points on 3-9 shooting in addition to committing 5 turnovers.
The Purple Aces are winless in the conference. After trailing by 12 Sunday against the Bluejays, they showed some determination and took a brief 2-point lead before being falling by 8. Creighton let freshman Colt Ryan have one of his best games in a Purple Aces uniform. He was shutout at UNI on Friday before scoring 26 against the Jays. He’s not the only guy Evansville will need to have a good game. James Haarsma has been battling a foot injury. Having him healthy and on the floor will help battled the tough ISU big men.
– Panon
Northern Iowa (12-1, 3-0) @ Southern Illinois (9-3, 2-1)
SIU Arena
Carbondale, IL 8:05 CT ESPNU
The Panthers sit alone a top the Valley early in the conference season. At 3-0. they take on one of the many teams right behind them at 2-1. Last season they showed they can win on the road in conference going 8-1. Having won 11 games in a row to match the school record they set last season, #12 won’t be easy. Two of the best defensive teams in the league square off in what should be a low scoring game. Will the first one to 70 win? How about 65?
The Salukis bring a perfect home record into this game, 5-0. They are coming off a tough loss at Illinois State on Sunday. In walk-throughs on Sunday Tony Freeman suffered a broken nose. He played through it Sunday and is good to go tonight. The only difference tonight, Freeman will wear a mask. Yep, he played with a broken nose against the Redbirds without a mask. Having played against UNI while with Iowa, the Panthers are one of the few teams in the league not new to Freeman.
With the 8 PM tipoff, drive home safely from the CU game and catch the end of this one!
– Panon
