Norfolk State (1-2) @ Illinois State (3-0)
Redbird Arena, 6:05 CT
Basketball Travelers Classic
Illinois State gave us a bit of a scare Monday night, as they narrowly escaped the University of Illinois Chicago 69-65. But, thanks in part to Osiris Eldridge, the Redbirds were able to stay undefeated this non-conference season. O-Hawk was able to lead the team once again in scoring, but the difference Monday night, was he dropped 17 of his 19 points in the first half.
Did UIC figure out a way to shut down Elderidge? Was he just playing unselfish basketball? After he brought his team back in the first half, including a stretch of 8 points on his own, he was rather quiet in the second half, only 2 points. If they did discover the secret to stopping the O-Hawk, Norfolk State may want to get a hold of it fast. The Spartans will enter tonight’s game with a 1-2 record and will be big time underdogs as they opener the Basketball Travelers Classic. This one should not be close, and there is plenty of other b-ball on today to take care of your basketball cravings.
– Paul Liberty
Oklahoma State (4-0) @ Bradley (3-1)
Las Vegas Nevada 7:00 CT
Las Vegas Invitational
Before heading out to Las Vegas, the Braves had to take care of some work at home as they blew out the Blue Hose of Presbyterian 71-58. It will be a quick change as they head to Vegas and take on the Cowboys of Oklahoma State.
The Cowboys, who are taking care of business their own this season, are beating their opponents by an average of 22 points. The Cowboys have a very talented and athletic team that should not have much of a problem with the Redbirds of Bradley. A Bradley win would be a pretty significant upset, and there is nothing like a good upset.
– Paul Liberty