Missouri Valley Conference Notebook
by Neal Heston
Putting the game in perspective
The UNI men’s basketball team will play a tough game this Saturday at home against Missouri State, but a more important event will take place during the contest.
As part of “Coaches vs. Cancer” weekend, the University of Northern Iowa will team up with the American Cancer Society to raise money for cancer research.
Every fan who shows up to Saturday’s game wearing a pink t-shirt or a cancer awareness bracelet or ribbon will receive half-price admission. Bracelets will also be on sale during the game, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. The athletic department will present a check to the ACS prior to tip-off.
UNI Head Coach Greg McDermott’s wife, Theresa, recently found out that she had breast cancer. She underwent surgery in November and decided to go public with the news during the past few weeks, expressing how important it is for everyone to get checkups. She has responded well since the surgery.
McDermott is setting up his own team for the UNI Relay for Life, an organization that raised $73,000 in 2005 – the most money raised per number of students of any Relay team in the Midwest. The organization has set a goal of $100,000 for 2006.
Still going for 20
Four teams in the MVC won 20 games last season, and one (Northern Iowa) has already hit the mark this season. Before the Valley Tournament begins in St. Louis next month, four teams are on pace for the 20-win mark again, and Missouri State and Bradley are fairly close to making it six. The pace for the Valley’s possible postseason teams after the regular season finishes:
- Northern Iowa: 25
- Wichita State: 23
- Creighton: 20
- Southern Illinois: 20
- Missouri State: 19
- Bradley: 16
Postseason Watch
NCAA:
- Creighton – The Bluejays, as the lone team in the Valley to sweep Northern Iowa, is in as league champion (at least currently).
- Northern Iowa – After a rough loss in Omaha, UNI gained a much-needed win against Indiana State.
- Wichita State – WSU needed to beat Creighton, UNI or Southern Illinois to improve an at-large resume – if needed – and the Shockers did just that at home against SIU on Saturday.
- Southern Illinois – The Salukis beat out Missouri State by a thin line. Slipups against Creighton or MSU this week could have SIU heading to the NIT.
NIT:
- Missouri State – The Bears look NCAA worthy right now, but I fear the Valley may not get the five bids.
- Bradley – Two contests against teams from the lower division gives the Braves an opportunity to make a little more noise in the title race.
Contenders for the Valley Title: This Week’s Schedule
Creighton (10-3 / 16-5) at Evansville, vs. Southern Illinois
Northern Iowa (10-3 / 20-4) vs. Wichita State, vs. Missouri State
Wichita State (10-3 / 19-5) at Northern Iowa, at Indiana State
Southern Illinois (9-4 / 16-7) vs. Missouri State, at Creighton
Missouri State (8-5 / 15-6) at Southern Illinois, at Northern Iowa
Bradley (7-6 / 13-8) at Indiana State, at Illinois State
Recapping last week
Biggest Leap: Missouri State
After a losing streak took the Bears out of tourney talk, MSU thumped Drake and survived surging Bradley. Blake Ahearn led the squad with 21.5 points per game in the two victories.
Stepping Back: Southern Illinois
While others console the Salukis after two double overtime losses on the road (at Northern Iowa and Wichita State), the Valley seems to be a little less sympathetic. SIU might need to win both games this week if it wants to keep the NIT out of the rearview mirror.
Hoopville’s MVC Player of the Week: Anthony Tolliver, Creighton
Tolliver caused headaches for Northern Iowa and Drake while averaging 13 points and 10 rebounds during the two wins – which has Creighton in the driver’s seat of the Valley race.
This Week – Games directly influencing the conference race
Tuesday
Missouri State at Southern Illinois – Missouri State is just 1-4 against Creighton, Northern Iowa, Wichita State and Southern Illinois. That one win happens to be over SIU. Both teams desperately need this game, as the losing squad may have to win out to avoid having to run the table for an NCAA berth.
Wichita State at Northern Iowa – This game is for takeover of first place, and Northern Iowa boasts a powerful 10-1 mark at home this season. But WSU will be looking for revenge after the Panthers won the first meeting in Wichita, 75-61.
Saturday
Southern Illinois at Creighton – The schedule just keeps kicking the Salukis while they are down. SIU needs this win, and Omaha isn’t exactly the best place to go for that. Definitely expect to watch a tough match, as SIU has taken other co-MVC leaders Northern Iowa and Wichita State to double overtime on their home floors before falling.
Missouri State at Northern Iowa – The Valley slate won’t be kind to UNI this week either, but at least the Panthers will face their tough opponents at home. Missouri State will also seek revenge against Northern Iowa after the Bears dropped the teams’ first meeting in Springfield, 72-62.
