Right now KenPom has @Missouri State, @Bradley, and @Drake as losses. You steal one of those 3 and hold serve against the projected wins and that might be the difference.
I still expect Bradley and Drake to be the biggest competition down the stretch although Belmont is really impressing.
I listened to the Mike Reis pregame show on the local Carbondale radio statio. Mike interviewed some guy that writes a blog or something about the Missouri Valley journalist or sports writer he asked him questions like who's the best defensive team and he was a little wishy-washy about it but he liked Bradley he also thought the best player of the valley was that kid from Belmont ..Shepard...which I disagree with.
I listened to the Mike Reis pregame show on the local Carbondale radio statio. Mike interviewed some guy that writes a blog or something about the Missouri Valley journalist or sports writer he asked him questions like who's the best defensive team and he was a little wishy-washy about it but he liked Bradley he also thought the best player of the valley was that kid from Belmont ..Shepard...which I disagree with.
It was Harry Schroeder of Valley Hoops Insider:
I think that all 3 Valley games have the opportunity to be pretty good. The only one I am not positive about is ISUred vs. the Purple Kitties.
Missouri Valley Games about to begin:
Bradley @ Indiana State 6:00 PM ESPN+ (Indiana State favored by 2)
Illinois State @ Northern Iowa 7:00 PM ESPN+ (Northern Iowa favored by 8.5)
Missouri State @ Drake 7:00 PM ESPN+ (Drake favored by 7)
Let’s go Trees
If Indiana State stopped averaging 2 technicals a game they might have one or two more wins
Just got another one
Watching both games at the same time and glanced over to see Garrett Sturtz politicking with the refs to potentially change a call. Also wanted to say Happy 30th Birthday to him as well. 😉 🤣
Missouri St is big and athletic, but they are undisciplined. They actually remind me a bit of Murray St. in that respect. Will be tough to beat on the road, but if SIU can HIT THEIR shots, they should give themselves a very good shot.
Deja vu for the Trees blowing a home lead
At least in the first half, Drake having their way with Missouri St. Looking like Bradley is going to put SIU essentially in sole possession of 1st place as they hold the tie-breaker with Belmont.
If Illinois State can pick off UNI tonight, that would be big for basically everyone else competing for a title. Down 2 with about 16 to go.
The Drake is in trouble
