The Valley Sends Two

St. Louis, MO – For the second year in a row the Missouri Valley Conference is sending two teams to the NCAA basketball tournament. Four other MVC schools will be playing post season basketball in the NIT and CIT post season affairs.

Creighton (the regular season and tournament champion) and Wichita State (an at-large bid) will be back in the ‘big dance’ for the second straight year.  In 2012 the Bluejays defeated Alabama and dropped a decision to North Carolina, while the Shockers fell to Virginia Commonwealth. Creighton was an eight seed and WSU was was seeded fifth.

This year Creighton is a seven seed in the Midwest Region and Wichita State is the ninth seeded team in the West.

Both teams have winnable first round games.  Though not easy pickings, the Bluejays take on the Big East’s Cincinnati and the Shockers tangle with the Big East’s Pitt Panthers.  Should they survive the first round, Creighton would potentially take on powerful Duke and Wichita would earn a date with Gonzaga!

WSU (26-8) is a nightmare match-up for any team.  Their rabid defense, rebounding passion and aggressive coaching from Gregg Marshall gives teams fits. The Shockers own regular season wins over tournament teams Creighton & VCU.

Coach Marshall says their game with Pitt should be very entertaining.

The MVC’s marque team, Creighton (27-7) is led by league Player of the Year and national player of the year finalist Doug McDermott. He is the second leading scorer in the nation and today was named to the USBWA’s all-american team. He is the 75^th player to ever be named to multiple season all-american teams!

Their top victories include wins over tournament qualifiers Akron, Wisconsin and California. This is Creighton’s 14^th visit to the NCAA tournament.

Coach Greg McDermott says Cincinnati plays outstanding defense and enjoys great guard play.

Wichita State’s Thursday game with Pitt is in Salt Lake City, while Creighton’s first game is Friday in Philadelphia.

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