Valley struggles in BracketBusters weekend
In an attempt to make a statement and avoid being a one-bid league for the NCAA Tournament, the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) did not fare well this weekend in the BracketBusters challenge. The league combined for a 3-7 record in the competition, with all six postseason hopefuls falling. Wichita State, Northern Iowa and Indiana State all had opportunities at home, but failed to capitalize in defeats to VCU, George Mason and Morehead State. This weekend’s struggles magnify the importance of the final week before the conference tournament in St. Louis, March 3-6.
A look at the postseason hopefuls:
Wichita State (22-6, 13-3)
BracketBusters: lost to VCU, 68-67
This week: vs. Creighton (Wed.), at Missouri State (Sat., ESPN2)
The Shockers lost in heartbreaking fashion in front of their home crowd to Virginia Commonwealth. After taking advantage of a missed free throw to grab a 67-66 lead with four seconds left, VCU senior Joey Rodriguez was fouled with less than one second left and easily sank two charity shots to lead the Rams to victory. WSU missed an opportunity to mark a big win against a team that had previously lost three of its last five games.
All but one of Wichita State’s six defeats have been by four points or less. Only one should be considered a bad loss – the 56-53 home flop to Southern Illinois two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the Shockers don’t really have any big wins to boast, but head coach Gregg Marshall may want to lobby around the team’s 11-2 record away from home. Losing at all this week will put any hopes of an at-large berth in great jeopardy heading into St. Louis.
The game this Saturday against Missouri State looms large now. It could very well be for the MVC title, should both teams avoid hiccups on Wednesday.
Missouri State (21-7, 13-3)
BracketBusters: Lost at Valparaiso, 80-67
This week: at Southern Illinois (Wed.), vs. Wichita State (Sat., ESPN2)
Missouri State never really established a challenge against a team fairly low on the bubble. After falling down by as many as 17 early in the second half, MSU could only climb as close as nine.
If the Bears suffer another setback at Southern Illinois on Wednesday, it’s almost guaranteed that they will not only need to win against Wichita State on Saturday, but possibly need to win the MVC Tournament as well.
Much like Wichita State, Missouri State doesn’t exactly have any great wins to brag about. And its near-win against Tennessee in mid-November has lost some of its luster, given the Vols struggles since then. Any more defeats could have the Bears sitting dangerously low on the bubble, after a promising 7-0 start in conference play.
Northern Iowa (19-10, 10-6)
BracketBusters: Lost to George Mason, 77-71
This week: vs. Indiana State (Tues.), at Creighton (Sat.)
After an inbounds pass from George Mason sailed out of bounds with time ticking away late in the game, memories of Northern Iowa’s victory over the Patriots five years ago surfaced – when the same thing happened that allowed Northern Iowa to escape with a big BracketBusters win. That would not be the case this time though, as the Panthers returned the favor with an inbounds turnover seconds after.
With the home defeat to George Mason, it’s safe to assume that Northern Iowa will not be dancing unless it hoists the conference tourney trophy. After fighting back to get into at-large status talk, the Panthers have dropped four of five games since the loss of senior big man Lucas O’ Rear. This is still a big week for the Panthers though, as a win against Indiana State on Tuesday can almost guarantee the third seed in the MVC Tourney.
Indiana State (15-13, 10-6)
BracketBusters: Lost to Morehead State, 71-65
This week: at Northern Iowa (Tues.), vs. Southern Illinois (Sat.)
The Sycamores fell behind Morehead State by as many as 12 in the first half, but rallied to tie the score at 46 midway through the second half after Dwayne Lathan hit a layup. Indiana State couldn’t regain the lead though, as Morehead State won its ninth straight contest. The Sycamores were playing for their fourth straight win after dropping five in a row from January to early February.
At least one win is needed this week to assure the Sycamores postseason eligibility for the second consecutive season. And a win at Northern Iowa on Tuesday would guarantee no lower than a fourth seed for the conference tournament. Indiana State walloped Northern Iowa in their first meeting on Jan. 7, 70-45.
Creighton (17-12, 9-7)
BracketBusters: Lost at Akron, 76-67
This week: at Wichita State (Wed.), vs. Northern Iowa (Sat.)
Doug McDermott cashed in another amazing performance for the Bluejays, as the freshman sank 16 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. But Creighton was unable to knock down Mid-American Conference opponent Akron on the road.
With the possibility of a three seed for the MVC Tourney still in view, the schedule couldn’t be any tougher for the Bluejays, with a trip to Wichita State and the season finale against Northern Iowa. The good news about traveling to Wichita State? The Shockers have lost four games at home, compared to just one on the road.
Evansville (14-13, 8-8)
BracketBusters: Lost at Murray State, 72-47
This week: at Drake (Wed.), vs. Illinois State (Sat.)
The Aces drew Ohio Valley leader Murray State for their BracketBusters and struggled to a 72-47 defeat. Evansville trailed by as many as 12 in the first half, but cut the deficit to as little as two by the beginning of the second half. From, there Murray State pulled away again, ending with a 16-2 run. Colt Ryan grabbed 13 points for the Aces.
Evansville can also position itself for a postseason possibility with a win this week – a tremendous accomplishment after only winning three MVC games and nine overall last season. The schedule works in UE’s favor, with two contests against teams the Aces defeated once already.
