Missouri Valley Conference Notebook
by Neal Heston
Too close to call
We’re almost halfway through the conference slate and six teams are within one game of first place in the Valley, and that isn’t including once-eighth-ranked Wichita State, who is showing signs of resurgence. The Shockers knocked off then league-leader Creighton to create a three-way tie for first with the Bluejays, Southern Illinois and Missouri State – all at 5-2 in league play. Northern Iowa and the surprising Indiana State Sycamores sit one-half game back at 4-2 with Bradley not far behind at 4-3. Wichita State strung together consecutive victories for the first time since mid-December to climb up to 3-4, and Evansville, Drake and Illinois State round out the standings, respectively.
Team On the rise: Wichita State
Facing a critical week, the Shockers delivered. Even a split against Evansville and Creighton would have put WSU in serious trouble, but the defending Valley champs squeezed past Evansville and held on to beat Creighton for a much needed 2-0 week. Wichita State is too talented and experienced to not continue this roll. Victories over Illinois State and Bradley will put them right in the mix to contend for another conference title.
Falling: Northern Iowa
The Panthers aren’t in any serious danger, but they are the only Valley team in the hunt to drop two consecutive contests. Then-winless Illinois State upset UNI, 67-64, in Normal and Creighton traveled to Cedar Falls to win on Northern Iowa’s home floor for the third consecutive time. UNI faces a crucial road contest at Missouri State on Thursday, a team the Panthers have had little trouble defeating the past three seasons.
Postseason Watch
Now we can begin looking at each team’s postseason chances with the conference season nearly half complete.
NCAA bound: Southern Illinois, Missouri State, Northern Iowa, Creighton
On the bubble: Wichita State, Bradley
Still work to do: Indiana State
Hoopville MVC Player of the Week: Blake Ahearn, Missouri State
Ahearn, a senior, has averaged 17.5 points in MSU’s last two games to keep Missouri State at the top of the standings. Ahearn has now reached double figures in eight consecutive contests.
Games that can shake up the standings this week
Southern Illinois at Creighton
Always a thriller, it’s only fitting this game will decide who takes over first place in the conference. Southern Illinois dropped its last opportunity for sole possession of first at Northern Iowa two weeks ago. Creighton is unbeaten at home this season and is six total points from being 7-0 in the Valley.
Wichita State at Illinois State
After a horrific start, Wichita State has a chance to climb back to .500 in conference play with a victory. Don’t expect a handout from the Redbirds though, who upset previous conference leader Northern Iowa on Jan. 9. A win will also give the Shockers their first winning streak since beginning the winter 9-0.
Wichita State at Bradley
Assuming the Shockers survive in Normal, a road victory will put WSU above the hump and possibly just one game back in the conference race. Bradley has lost just one game at home this season, a 75-71 setback to Illinois, and just came off a 48-46 home win against Southern Illinois.
Northern Iowa at Missouri State
A win for the Panthers keeps Northern Iowa in the hunt. A defeat creates a hill with a tough contest remaining against Indiana State and a road trip to Southern Illinois – a place where the Panthers have always had trouble winning. UNI has won five of the last seven meetings between the two squads.
Bradley at Creighton
Nobody faces a tougher week than Bradley, who must face the resurging Wichita State Shockers and travel to front-runner Creighton. Just one victory will keep those preseason nay-sayers scratching their heads as the Braves stay in contention for the Valley title. The Braves have won three consecutive contests since getting drubbed at Wichita State on Jan. 4.
