Lipscomb, Belmont, TSU have best chance in conference races--nashvillehoops.blog
Belmont/MVC
Indiana State (11-1) and Drake (11-2) have emerged as the top two teams. Belmont (9-4) is not the equal of those two squads, but the Bruins have the potential to finish ahead of the rest and maybe make a run in Arch Madness if they improve.
Indiana State was projected to be decent but the Sycamores have been dynamic with coach Josh Schertz’s “organized randomness’’ offense. They are averaging 88.2, 10th in the nation, and make 52 of their shots, third in the nation. They share the ball incredibly well, with 109 more assists than their opponents. They lead the nation in effective field goal percentage, too.
Five players average double figures, but guard Isaiah Swope is an all-league player. Forward Robbie Avila doesn’t look the part with his doughy body and protective goggles, but he is a key cog.
Drake’s Tucker DeVries is playing like an All-American, plus the Bulldogs have other decent skill players around him with freshman Kevin Overton and veteran big man Darnell Brodie.
Bradley (7-5) has been a big disappointment. The Braves, viewed as a contender in preseason, don’t seem connected. Same could be said for Northern Iowa (6-7) and Southern Illinois (8-4), although SIU guard Xavier Johnson is second in the nation in scoring at 24.1 ppg. Murray State (3-9) with former Belmont guard JaCobi Wood doesn’t appear to be up to its usual standards.
Missouri State (9-4) is still a threat as evidenced by its victory over Saint Mary’s last week. The surprises have been Illinois State (8-4), UIC (7-5) and Evansville (10-2) but how much more those teams can do is questionable.
The Duke Deen show: Bradley snaps five game losing streak with seven Deen threes--The Bradley Scout
Game Preview: Bradley vs Truman State--bradleybraves.com
Crystal Ball: Five predictions for University of Evansville athletics for 2024--Evansville Courier & Press
Dowell named MVC Freshman of the Week--The Vidette
Dowell earns Valley Freshman of the Week Honors--goredbirds.com
GRAY & BLUE VIEW: Most vital ISU game in a decade?--Terre Haute Tribune-Star
Kourtney Mennen named to 2024 Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Silver Anniversary Team--gosycamores.com
Mason Honored as Valley Player of the Week--missouristatebears.com
Stokes Goes Back-to-Back, Earns Third MVC Newcomer Award--missouristatebears.com
Murray State grateful for holiday break--WPSD Local 6
Post-Christmas Murray State Mailbag--Racer Basketball
Back To The Bank - Racers Host Blue Raiders Saturday--goracers.com
Turner: Racers selflessness key to strong start--WPSD Local 6
Young Named MVC Player of the Week--goracers.com
College Men’s Basketball: Back from injury, UNI’s Nate Heise looks to continue growing--Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
Women's Basketball Opens MVC Play Saturday at Murray State--valpoathletics.com
MVC Women's Basketball Weekly Awards/Notebook (Dec. 27)--Missouri Valley
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