(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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Three more road wins so far in @ValleyHoops as @BradleyUMBB @BelmontMBB & @UIC_MBB capture road wins. Looks like @DrakeBulldogsMB will do so too. #FatherHarry
Well @RacersWBB followed the men's example and swept Iowa in the @ValleyHoops race! Racers are 6-1 & if @BelmontWBB holds on to their Iowa sweep, the Bruins and Racers will be tied for first. What a trip for those two teams! #FatherHarry
After today's action, @EIUWBB is 8-0 in @OVCSports play. 4 teams @usiwbb @TTUWBB @LRTrojans @LindenwoodWBB are tied at 6-2. Six other teams are under .500. Great race to the finish lies ahead. #FatherHarry
Really entertaining game between @BelmontMBB & @UEAthletics_MBB. Under four minutes left in a one point game. Gabriel Pozzato back in the Aces' lineup. Rogers is playing like I've expected. Triples are dropping. It's fun and @kylejpeach bringing it on #ThePlus #FatherHarry
