Missouri State moves to 7-5 ahead of their game against SIU this week and drops Illinois State to 2-11. Northern Iowa gets the split with Indiana State:
Eight conference games to go for Southern. Here is the most realistic path to 8-10, which might be enough for a top-6 MVC finish:
- Sweep Illinois State and Valpo (counting on Valpo regressing after playing inspired ball against Drake over the weekend)
- Split with Missouri State OR Loyola (take one of those four games)
Probably a longshot to do the above, but the Bradley win yesterday at least keeps hope alive, as the bottom half of the standings are pretty jumbled. Obviously getting Domask back sooner than later would be a big boost, especially with so many games in the next three weeks.
BTW, hat's off to Drake on its 18-game winning streak. No matter what happens from here on out (and I think they'll catch a second wind), that's a helluva run.
Drake drops out of the top 25, Loyola moves in to #22
I'd wager we will see announcements like this more and more over the next two months as my gut tells me 99% of the important pieces for each MVC team will be back next year. This will be good for the quality of non-P5 programs as a whole, but especially so for the Valley. Next year could see two, maybe even three MVC teams sitting consistently in the top 25.
Obviously, we know Loyola and Drake will be monsters. Missouri State will be a dark horse. SIU will be much improved. You can't count out Bradley. Also, don't forget UNI with a healthy A.J. Green, and they're still very well coached under old Ben.
Next season could very well be a Missouri Valley perfect storm.
--Insert something witty here--
Biggest problem is gonna be Power 5 poaching MVC players as they can transfer once without sitting out.
Two blowouts outside of the SIU game tonight in the Valley. Bradley moves to 5-8 and Drake moves to 10-1
Valpo no longer the Crusaders
The Redenbacher's? "Corney" the ear of popcorn as their new mascot?
Valpo no longer the Crusaders
While this is an overreaction, I think they can do much better than the current name, logo, and colors.
Valpo no longer the Crusaders
The Reformers - after Martin Luther! And the mascot, a muscular monk with a hammer, named Valpo Marty!
(thanks to Purdue Pete)
Boy am I really starting to dislike the Drake!
Break the top 25 and then drop back out as Loyola moves in at #22. The Valley just can't will itself to a Top 25 matchup...with back to back weekend games on ESPN2, I might add.
HATE THE DRAKE!
Valpo no longer the Crusaders
While this is an overreaction, I think they can do much better than the current name, logo, and colors.
I'd prefer they upgrade their high school gym to at least a JUCO level facility more than I care about this mascot.
Some programs don't seem to get too many breaks. Drake would be one of them.
Terrible timing, to say the least.
https://twitter.com/WyattWheeler_NL/status/1360337365319966727
Some programs don't seem to get too many breaks. Drake would be one of them.
Terrible timing, to say the least.
https://twitter.com/WyattWheeler_NL/status/1360337365319966727
That sucks ahead of the big series this weekend. They showed him in a boot at the end of the game on Wednesday.
