What's Up In The Missouri Valley 12/16/2020

Illinois College Basketball Power Rankings — December 13--Off The Inbound

2. Loyola Chicago (3-0)

In a crosstown matchup with UIC this afternoon, the Ramblers came out firing offensively, shooting 51.9% from the field and 50% from three-point territory in a 77-66 victory. With Northern Iowa guard and 2019-20 Missouri Valley Player of the Year AJ Green out for the season, Loyola Chicago could be the team to beat in The Valley this year. They’ll have a tough challenge coming up Dec. 15 when they travel to Madison for a game against No. 13 Wisconsin.

3. Bradley (3-1)

The reason Loyola Chicago isn’t the clear favorite in The Valley is because of the season Bradley’s putting together. The Braves looked good early and blew past Lewis 95-62 on Dec. 7. With three games left before Valley play begins, the Braves could be setting themselves up for a run at the top spot.

4. Southern Illinois (3-0)

Three Valley teams in the top five? Crazy, I know. But the Salukis opened some eyes with their 70-66 win over Murray State this week. Bryan Mullins’ crew continues to prove they’re better than they look on paper, which is why they jump into the top five this week.

7. Illinois State (2-3)

After a decent showing against Murray State, Illinois State struggled against Ball State in an 82-66 loss Dec. 12. The Redbirds have one last non-conference game against Chicago State Dec. 15 before starting MVC play against Loyola Chicago Dec. 27.

Kevin McAdoo settles into bench role with Bradley men's basketball; a virtual raffle, and MVC's preseason Player of Year pick out for season--Peoria Journal Star

Bradley junior Lasha Petree set to pass her coach Andrea Gorski on program's all-time scoring list--Peoria Journal Star
Lasha Petree Named Bradley Scholar-Athlete Of The Week--bradleybraves.com

Men’s Basketball Game At South Dakota Postponed--godrakebulldogs.com

Drake women lose 87-73 at South Dakota State--Des Moines Register
Women’s Basketball Falls at South Dakota State Tuesday Night--godrakebulldogs.com
Women's Basketball Adds Road Game at Texas Friday Night--godrakebulldogs.com

Givance carries Evansville past SE Missouri 66-63 in OT--Associated Press
UE Insider: Shamar Givance's game-winner over SEMO gives Aces back-to-back victories--Evansville Courier & Press
Game Recap: Evansville 66, SEMO 63--Eville-Ways
Givance’s 3-point play seals 66-63 win over SEMO--gopurpleaces.com

Aces back in action against Oakland City on Wednesday--gopurpleaces.com

Horne carries Illinois State over Chicago State 91-62--Associated Press
Watch now: Energy lacking for Illinois State as Redbirds rout short-handed Chicago State--The Pantagraph
Redbirds drop winless Cougars 91-62 after first half scare--Vidette Online
Strong Second Half Leads Redbirds to 29-Point Win--goredbirds.com

Goodwin carries Saint Louis past Indiana State 78-59--Associated Press
ISU can't dig out of early SLU surge--Terre Haute Tribune Star
Sycamores Stymied by Saint Louis, 78-59--gosycamores.com

No. 12 Wisconsin knocks off Loyola of Chicago 77-63--Associated Press
News, Notes, and Highlighted Games: Tuesday, Dec 15th--Hoops HD

HIGHLIGHTED GAMES

-LOYOLA CHICAGO AT WISCONSIN.  This is perhaps a mismatch, but it’s still an interesting game a Loyola Chicago team that’s a likely frontrunner in the Missouri Valley, and a Wisconsin team that’s a clear top 25 team that could end up as a protected seed.

Loyola Men’s Basketball Falls to No. 12 Wisconsin--Loyola Phenix
Second-Half Run Sends No. 12 Wisconsin Past Loyola, 77-63--loyolaramblers.com

Podcast: Northern Iowa and San Diego State head in opposite directions--Mid-Major

UNI holds Ashley Joens to 6 points, but Iowa State gets the win--Cedar Rapids Gazette
Kristin Scott, Lexi Donarski step up for Iowa State after UNI shuts down Ashley Joens--Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
UNI Falls to Iowa State--unipanthers.com

Saluki Basketball 5@5: Back in the mid-major top 25, and Beane switches teams--Southern Illinoisan
Game Notes: Men's Basketball vs. North Dakota--siusalukis.com