Missouri Valley Early Returns

Three Undefeated Teams

(St. Louis, MO) – Two games into the conference season, the Missouri Valley Conference is down to three undefeated teams. Defending champion Loyola, Southern Illinois and Valparaiso survived the first week of league play without a defeat, but what have we learned so far?

Loyola Has Found Its Balance

Porter Moser’s team seems to have found their offensive and defensive rhythm. With 39 assists in the first two conference games and the revival of Clayton Custer’s shooting touch, the Ramblers look more Rambler-like. While their defense was a little suspect earlier in the season, it has improved dramatically. Prior to the Drake game Loyola (9-6, 2-0) held four straight opponents under 50 points.

Aher Uguak seems to be growing in his ‘attack the basket’ role and Marques Townes has chosen Donte Ingram’s ‘I’ll take the shot’ mentality.

Rambler players appear to have found their roles, even before Lucas Williamson’s anticipated return.

‘Gritty’ Is In

Coach after coach talks about the grind of the MVC season. After two single-digit victories SIU (9-6, 2-0) coach Barry Hinson said every game in the league schedule is a grind. Half of the first ten Valley games have been single-digit decisions. One went into overtime.

Eight times teams have been held to under 60 points during the opening week after a non-conference schedule where every team averaged over 65 points per game.

Bradley is a Mystery

Bradley (8-7, 0-1) came into the season with high expectations and a veteran roster. Picked fourth in the preseason poll, they burst from the gate with a 6-and-1 record but have gone 2-and-6 since. The Braves have struggled offensively. Only once in their last six games have they reached the 70-point level.

Elijah Childs may be suffering through a small sophomore slump. A member of the ‘all-freshman’ team last season is averaging 12.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, but has reached double figures in scoring just twice in the Braves’ last five games. He was averaging 14.4 and 8.9 in the opening seven games.

Valpo Belongs

The Crusaders came from behind to defeat Illinois State on that buzzer beating half-court shot on opening night of Valley play. Matt Lottich’s team then went to Missouri State and handed the Bears their first home loss of the season.

After losing all but one road Valley game in their opening season (the last one of the season) Valpo equaled that victory total in their first opportunity this year. Lottich does have two new significant contributors in freshman Javon Freeman and transfer Ryan Fazekas that are making a difference. He says his team has grown in confidence.

Tuesday’s Schedule

None of the three undefeated teams play one another Tuesday. Missouri State, Drake and Bradley will be looking for their first conference wins. Northern Iowa visits Illinois State in the only game that features two, 1-and-1 teams.

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