Redbirds Waiting Game

(St. Louis, MO) – The Illinois State magical season has hit a bump in the road. Dropping a 20-point decision to Wichita State in the championship of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament has diminished the possibilities of a Redbird return to the NCAA Tournament.

When you listen to the national ‘experts’ they sight the 41 point loss to the Shockers in early February and now a 20 point loss in early March as exhibits A and B in the case against Dan Muller’s crew receiving an at-large bid from the NCAA’s selection committee.

ISU (27-6) fell behind 10-2 and 14-3 in the opening 5:39 of the contest and never truly recovered. By that time, forward Phil Fayne was in foul trouble and Muller was using his first time out.

The heroic play of MVC Player of the Year, Paris Lee (18 points and six rebounds) was the only thing that kept the Birds in the game. Fayne, MiKyle McIntosh and Deontae Hawkins all fouled out and were limited in their ability to play with their typical aggressiveness.

Coming into the championship game, ISU owned an RPI of 26, and have been called one of those ‘first four out’, or ‘last four in’. For example, here is what ESPN’s Joe Lunardi wrote right after their loss to Wichita State.

“Illinois State’s loss drops them into at-large pool, where I have them as “Last Team In.” In other words, they are likely to be passed between now and next Sunday. It’s not how I would vote, but it’s hard to be optimistic given recent Committee emphasis.”

There are many factors to consider. ISU has a very solid RPI. They won 27 games and have a strong fan following. Their athletic style is pleasing to watch and their only two losses in 22 games have been to 21^st ranked Wichita.

Head coach Dan Muller says he doesn’t have any control over what happens next.

“Obviously, we’re looking forward to playing again this year. We’re hopeful,” said Muller. “We can’t control anything the next seven days. We know we’re going to play together again. We know that. But like I said, we just kind of hope we get our name called on Sunday. I think we should be in. I think we’re good enough. But it’s out of our control at this point.”

Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall says he thinks Illinois State should be in the NCAA Tournament and he believes they would be successful once they got there.

“I told Dan Muller, you had a really good year. I’ll be pulling for you,” said Marshall. “And who knows what will happen this year? I think we can go deep in the tournament, and I think Illinois State is capable of winning a game or two. I really do. They didn’t show it today, but I think they’re a quality team.”

Lee says he’s always dreamed of playing in the big dance.

“It would mean a lot to me. I always dreamed about playing in the NCAA Tournament,” said Lee. “I always watched great players playing in it. It would be a blessing to be in the tournament right now.”

Valley watchers and Redbird fans will be waiting impatiently until Sunday night.

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