(St. Louis, MO) – Who is the best “Valley” Conference? That question will be answered in some way tonight as post season basketball continues across the Republic.
Missouri Valley Conference teams Missouri State and Illinois State host Ohio Valley Conference schools Murray State and Morehead State respectively.
During the regular season the MVC held an 8-5 advantage over their more eastern ‘Valley’ cousins, but tonight’s games bring some real bragging rights with their conclusion.
Missouri State (20-12) entertains OVC West Division champion Murray State (18-11) in the College Insider Tournament (CIT) and Illinois State (16-15) welcomes Morehead State (20-13) to Redbird Arena in College Basketball Invitational (CBI) play.
These are important games for mid-major schools and particularly for young squads like the Bears and Redbirds. Extra practices, different competition and tournament experience can catapult a program forward. Wichita State won the NIT in 2012, setting up their run to the Final Four in 2013 and their undefeated season so far in 2014.
Missouri State has had a remarkable season winning 20 games despite losing their leading scorer, Marcus Marshall for the back half of the season. Head Coach Paul Lusk’s team has leaned on Senior Jarmar Gulley (14.4 ppg) and the three point shooting of Austin Ruder who set an MSU freshman record for baskets made from behind the line.
Lusk believes the tournament can be very valuable for his young team and he’s grateful that the MSU administration is enthusiastic in its support.
Murray State has their own freshman star in all OVC guard Cameron Payne. He averaged nearly 16 points and six rebounds per game. Joining Payne on the OVC’s all-newcomer team was 6’8” forward Jarvis Williams who averaged a double-double (14.5 & 10.4) for the Racers.
Illinois State will have their hands full too. Morehead State boasts of 2nd team all OVC guard Angelo Warner (17.5 & 4.7) and the league’s leading rebounder in Chad Posthumus at eleven caroms per game.
Head Coach Dan Muller is excited that his young team can keep on playing.
The Redbirds counter with a tough 2-3 zone and some good size of their own in 6’10” Freshman Reggie Lynch who is a shot blocking machine and owns the Redbird rookie record for blocks.
ISU has been very successful at home and Coach Muller says the home court seems to help his team’s intensity.
These two games will go a long way to validating the seasons of the triumphant teams.
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