Yeah the MVC is down for sure, but with as much talent that left our conference after last year its really not all that much of a surprise. Even still, it's not bottom-barrel D1 bad, nor will it ever be.
Another year or two, if teams can retain their talent, the Valley will be right back where it should be. I think the coaching depth is better now than its been for a while. The roster rebuilds just need time to catch up.
Also, the CUSA, AAC, and possibly the WCC (if/when Gonzaga leaves) are about to get a lot weaker in hoops. If the Valley gets back to normal, we’re liable to be easily in the top 10 most years.
WCC will still be pretty strong, even without Gonzaga. They still have St. Mary's (who's right there with Gonzaga this year), BYU, San Francisco (who beat the Salukis twice in the last couple of years) and Santa Clara. All of rhem are there close to the top 25 of mid-majors.
I’m not saying that we’re passing the WCC after the Zags leave. Just saying the gap will be WAY smaller. We will definitely close up some ground on multiple conferences, and surely pass a few, especially the CUSA.
Missouri Valley Games for Tuesday:
Prairie View A&M @ UIC 7:00 PM ESPN+ (UIC favored by 4.5)
Chicago State @ Murray State 7:00 PM ESPN+ (Murray State favored by 12.5)
If the Valley can't have a 3-0 day today, I don't know what to say.
Chicago State up 51-34 on Murray State with 12:50 left trying to go 2-0 in the MVC before facing SIU on Friday
Chicago St still up 17 with 12:31 to play in the 2nd half, but Murray St might be putting it together. Hoping that Chicago St can pull out the win.
Murray on a run, down 9 with 9:00 left. They were down 22.
I have NO idea how Chicago St got the lead, I've been watching more than 5 minutes and they have not scored a single basket. They are horrible. 22pt lead is now down to 9 and Murray St is still on a roll.
Chicago State looks feast or famine. Who knows what team shows up against us! (Both sides lol)
Bow Em
Murray back within 3 with 4 1/2 left. Chi St gonna lose. They're bad. Murray's not real good either.
UIC beat Prairie View. UIC is Evansville bad.
I have NO idea how Chicago St got the lead, I've been watching more than 5 minutes and they have not scored a single basket. They are horrible. 22pt lead is now down to 9 and Murray St is still on a roll.
This has the feel of our game against Indiana State if Chicago State were actually decent. Murray State down 6 but look exhausted getting back in this.
Maybe it's my fault for turning the game on, but Chicago St looks absolutely woeful. Murray cut the lead to 1pt. The lead is back to 6pts with 2:32 left to play.
Chi St might hold on - Murray can't shoot
If SIU gives the effort on Friday, they should easily handle Chicago State. And making shots would help.
Chicago State up 65-64 with 31.5 left. Weaver hit a big 3 for the Cougars and then they fouled a Racer on an easy layup for some reason. Gonna come down to free throws.
lol Murray State wins 66-65. Man Chicago State collapsed down the stretch. Also, Lance Jones should score 25+ against this Cougars defense.
