Presbyterian (0-3) @ Bradley (2-1)
Peoria, Ill. 7:05 pm CT
2009 Hoops TV Las Vegas Invitational
This game is so big in Peoria the front page of the Braves men’s basketball web site reads, “Quick Change to Return to Carver Arena.” That’s right sports fans, Quick Change is back! Oh, and the Braves will be playing the Blue Hose of Presbyterian before and after the show.
The Braves pulled out a close victory in the opening round of the Las Vegas Invitational over a red hot Wofford team, 56-54. The Braves shouldn’t have too much of a problem with the Hose, as they will stroll into town with an 0-3 record. They have allowed their opponents to shoot an average of 46% from the field, as the Hose have only been able to squirt out a measly 39%.
This one could get ugly quick, but hey, at least you will see some amazingly fast changing of clothes!
– Paul Liberty
Indiana Sate (3-2) @ Western Kentucky (3-1)
Bowling Green, KY. 7:00 pm CT
NIT Season Tip-Off
Right when ISU thought the Sycamores were heading in the right direction, they go and drop a game against Coastal Carolina. Indiana State was unable to hold their opponent to sub-40% shooting for the first time this season, and it resulted in a 77-62 loss. Although Dwayne Lathan, the MVC newcomer of the week, continued his great play (14 points), it just wasn’t enough to come out with the win.
Were they looking ahead? They will be matched up against the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky, another mid-major who has and continues to make a name for themselves in the world of big time basketball. The Hilltoppers host the final game of the NIT Season Tip-Off after a close one-point win over Cal State Northridge. I hope the Sycamores will be able to contain WKU, but they will need to revert back to their ways of stout defense in order to have much of a chance.
– Paul Liberty
WSU (2-1) @ Iowa (1-3)
Kansas City, MO. 6:30 CT ESPN2 HD
O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic
Just one year off their #1 National ranking, tthe Panthers played the Shockers of WSU to a much closer game than the final score would indicate. WSU was able to make multiple runs during the game, including one that put them within one point of Pitt in the second half. But Pitt was a too much for WSU last night and their final 25-15 run to close out the game was all the Shockers could handle.
Although WSU looked a bit sloppy at times, that comes with a very young team. They also showed signs that they will be ready for that next step.
WSU will face the Iowa Hawkeyes in the consolation game tonight, live on ESPN2 HD. The Hawkeyes, who played the #3 Texas Longhorns to a halftime tie, will be looking to avoid a loss to a mid-major program. After watching the second half of the Texas game, I really don’t think that the Shockers should have much of a problem with what will most likely be a bottom dweller team in the Big Ten.
– Paul Liberty