(St. Louis, MO) – Well, that was a surprise. The first weekend of Valley basketball did not turn out like we thought. We knew at least two of the perceived top four teams would have to get a loss (they played each other), but to see those four teams (Wichita State, Northern Iowa, Evansville and Illinois State) collect four losses was truly surprising.
We knew MVC defenses would be tougher on the top scorers, but to watch Anthony Beane (SIU), Marcus Marshall (Missouri State) and D.J. Balentine (Evansville) held to a combined FIVE three pointers on 29 chances and a scoring average of 15.5, was shocking.
So after one weekend, Wichita State is 2-0 and Drake is 0-2, just like we thought they’d be, but besides that, nothing is normal.
Many have been throwing dirt on the Indiana State coffin and the Sycamores are 2-0 after a two-point win at Illinois State and overtime win against Evansville. No surprises here. Greg Lansing still knows how to coach.
Southern Illinois is 0-2. That wasn’t expected, but isn’t shocking. What was stunning, was how they were dominated at Bradley (63-44) and, as we mentioned, how Beane has struggled offensively. Head Coach Barry Hinson has to get it figured out quickly. The Salukis’ next three games find a home game (Indiana State) sandwiched between road games at #23 Northern Iowa and #16 Wichita State.
Missouri State (8-6)(2-0) found their defensive abilities. After giving up at least 74 points in their last three non-conference games, but Bears have allowed 50 & 37 in the first two Valley games. All six of MSU’s losses have seen the opposition score 74 or more points.
A surprising first weekend wets our appetite for a very interesting run to Arch Madness!
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Flooding, lightning strikes, etc. have cost @RacersHoops two home games. Had to play 'neutral site' tonight instead of at home and Wednesday's goes from home to away. Tough break for the Racers, and the whole area has been hit with difficulties. #FatherHarry
Murray State's scheduled home game Wednesday vs. Southern Illinois being moved to Banterra Center in Carbondale. #ValleyHoops
Gigantic game for @BradleyUMBB today in Des Moines. If they have a chance to catch @DrakeBulldogsMB, they have to win today. The Bulldogs can basically win the title today. @BustingBrackets breaks it all down. #FatherHarry https://bit.ly/3EGiVgi
Not rooting for any particular @ValleyHoops, but chaos is always fun. If things break certain ways, after today there could be a six-way tie for fifth place.
Fun to listen to @MLBLarry on the @SIU_Basketball/@BelmontMBB game tonight. Good job brother. #FatherHarry
