Most of the games involving Missouri Valley conference teams this weekend look one-sided. But, if the teams hope to raise the conference's overall RPI, an upset or two needs to happen.
Scouting the Braves
Bradley certainly needs a confidence boost after its performance against Butler on Wednesday. The Braves should get that Sunday against Southeast Missouri State, a team whose only Division I win this season comes against Longwood.
The Redhawks have a few good players, including forward Calvin Williams (6'9" So.). He has shot 59.7 percent from the floor this season and also grabs seven rebounds per game.
Most of his best games though have come against inferior competition. He didn't play against New Mexico and Kansas State. Williams' only game that he shot under 50 percent (3 of 8 shooting) was 34-point loss at Iowa.
SEMO also has two other players who average in double figures, guard Kenard Moore (15.3 PPG) and forward Jaycen Herring (14.7 PPG). Just like Williams, both players had bad games against the better opponents on the Redhawks' schedule.
Games like these often come down to depth, as Bradley usually outlasts these smaller conference teams. The Redhawks only play eight guys regularly, whereas the Braves will go nine to ten players deep.
The biggest question about this game isn't whether or not the Braves are going to win but rather who will be the guys on the floor bringing home the victory. Coach Jim Les declared that "changes will be made" after the Butler loss. Will this difference include a change in playing time for certain players or different lineups on the floor?
With the start of conference play only 15 days away, Bradley needs to start shaping its identity and finding players that can be consistent contributors.
Biggest opportunity for a statement
Evansville (6-1) gets a chance to truly show if it's going to be a serious league contender tonight at Western Kentucky (5-2). The Purple Aces have beaten a couple decent opponents (Austin Peay, Buffalo), but this game should be their toughest test yet. Western Kentucky has already knocked off nationally ranked Louisville on the road.
Evansville has shot well as a team this season at 44 percent. The team will need to have a big game from its leaders Shy Ely and Jason Holsinger in order to pull off the upset.
Intriguing games
Two enigmatic teams this season have been Southern Illinois and Northern Iowa. Both have had good and bad performances and look to make statements on the road this weekend.
Southern Illinois (3-4) goes to Nevada (4-4) as a return game from last year's Bracketbuster matchup, one that the Salukis won 74-49. Neither team has gotten off to a good start this season, but SIU has played a much tougher schedule. Maybe the young Saluki team can come together and bring home a win for the Valley.
Northern Iowa (5-4) also heads west to play Wyoming (6-1). Having seen Northern Iowa play in person against Auburn led me to believe that this would be a solid team. But, the Panthers have also had some really poor performances and playing on the Cowboys' in Wyoming (though not their home floor) won't be easy.
Look for a Valley win in at least one of these games.
Predictions
Saturday
No. 17 Purdue over Indiana State
Wyoming over Northern Iowa
Creighton over Northern Colorado
Western Kentucky over Evansville
Missouri State over Central Arkansas
Drake over Stephen F. Austin
Sunday
Bradley over Southeast Missouri State
Illinois State over Morehead State
Southern Illinois over Nevada (Upset of the weekend)
No comments:
Post a Comment