Valley tournament predictions

[JerryBearSeinfeld]

Bears 67
UNI 58

:)

[WuDrWu]

If WSU gets past Friday (and they should but as we all know there are no days off this year) then I love their chances against CU but hate them against BU.

I also like whoever comes out of the MSU-UNI game and I think that UNI is the most dangerous team in the tourney, even with the strong surge by both MSU and BU. The Panthers didn't lose any talent. They are the same bunch that most of us stamped Valley Champs about 1 month ago.

The 4-5 and 3-6 games have to be the best 1st round games in the last decade at least. When was the last time the were 6 legitimate contenders for the title? I would guess that most, if not all, of us that follow the Valley so closely would not be surprised in the least to see any of the top 6 win it all. It is another example of the strength of the Valley and why, at least this year, there is so much discussion about the number of teams that will get in the dance.

It truly is a great time to be a Valley fan!

And a better time to be a Shocker!

[SalukiProf]

Play-in games:
Evansville over Illinois State (Evansville on a tear)
Indiana State over Drake (The trees are looking more like their opening incarnation than their mid-season incarnation)

Quarterfinals:
Wichita State over Indiana State (potential for upset, but the Shockers are simply too good)
Southern Illinois over Evansville (the Dawgs will not take the Aces for granted a second time)
Missouri State over Northern Iowa (I would like to see the Panthers turn it around, but doubt they will. Prove me wrong! Please!)
Bradley over Creighton (Both teams want and need this one, but the Braves are currently the best team in the MVC - the Quarterfinal barn-burner))

Semifinals:
Bradley over Wichita State (Bradley wants it more - I give them a slight edge, but a Shockers victory would be no suprise)
Missouri State over Southern Illinois (This is not our year - once again, I hope to be proved wrong!)

Finals:
Bradley over Missouri State (Dancin Braves!)

GO VALLEY!

GO DAWGS!

[WSUfan]

My predictions (chronologically):
Thursday
Drake over Indiana State
Illinois State over Evansville

Friday
WSU over DU
CU over BU
SIU over ISU
MSU over UNI

Saturday
WSU over CU
MSU over SIU

Sunday
WSU over MSU

[SycamoresRule]

I think Indiana State will beat Drake in the play in game. Beyond that, I think we could be blown out by Wichita State or go on to win the whole thing -- or something in between.

As a poster on the Sycamore board noted yesterday, there are 25 D1 teams that have 4 or more wins over schools in the RPI top 50. Indiana State is one of those 25. Who knows which team will show up this weekend.

GO SYCAMORES

[Yoshi]

It pains me to say it, but I think Bradley will take it. This tournament is going to be a bloodbath.

[Jamar Howard 4 President]

I know Bradley is playing well recently, but I don't think they are consistent enough away from home to win it all. If they win on Friday, I think WSU will take care of them on Saturday. If they were to win both of those, I think they would be ready for a let down in the championship game. Maybe MSU would finally win it all this year.

[bcg]

O'Bryant is playing in his first MVC tournament, and Sommerville is just ready to move on to the next level (wishful thinking here).

O'Bryant scored 15 points and pulled down 14 rebounds in the tournment last year. Sommerville has been playing much better of late, including a 30 point performance in his last game.

Honestly, I don't see this being a close game. If Bradley gets behind, I see them jacking up shots again and falling way behind. If they get ahead, they now have the confidence to put a team away.

[BradleyBrave]

I think if BU wins Friday, they're in the finals. I don't see WSU playing with the determination on Saturday knowing they have their dance ticket punched already. If CU wins though, I don't see them having enough to beat WSU, regardless of whether WSU has the fire or not. It's WSU or BU on one side playing Sunday.

The other side is a toss-up. UNI needs this win as bad as anyone. MSU isn't a lock yet, but they're close. SIU needs a win too. Motivation shouldn't be a problem for them, after the embarrassing loss to Evansville. I really don't know who to pick. If MSU wins, I think they're going to the finals AGAIN. If UNI wins, I think they go to the finals. I just don't have much faith in the Salukis past their first game.

So there you go, I have no clue. That's just how whacky this league and this year has been.

In regards to the game I have the most emotionally invested in - We'll find out just how many points Dana Altman is worth. Because on paper, this should be a BU win. However, a betting man wouldn't be too wise to bet against the team that's won 5 of the last 7 MVC Tourneys.

[bcrawf]

Thursday-
Indiana State over Drake- enjoy beating Drake this year, next year they will be tough
Evansville over Il ST- Evansville builds for next year

Friday-
WSU over IN ST- Close, but the trees come up just short
CU over BU- Altman gets it done. BU makes big NIT run.
SIU over EU- Dogs keep hopes alive
UNI over MSU- The Real UNI Shows up, locks up NCAA bid- Bears still in.

Saturday-
CU over WSU- The Jays need the win more than WSU and outwork them
UNI over SIU- A fresh UNI team swings the game the other way this time

Sunday-
UNI over CU- A national audience sees how great the Valley is this year. UNI proves that the end of the year slump was a fluke and sets themselves up for a 6 seed in the dance.

This will be a great tournament and a great national showcase for a great league!!

[MikeKennedyRulz]

That being said, WSU needs to be wary of the Trees, or we could have one of the biggest upsets in Valley tournament history on our hands.

I think the trees need to worry about getting past Drake before they set their minds to a big WSU upset.

[RoundhouseSteve]

It is a tossup between WSU, CU, MSU, NI, and BU.

It is going to be the hardest fought tourney yet !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)



GO SHOCKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Class of 69]

Drake over ISU Dr. Tom proves to be the difference
EU over Il State Problems in Normal continue to build

WSU over DU Shockers feeling their oats as MVC Champs
BU over CU Altman's boys courageous ...just like Custer with same results
SIU over EU Dawgs D trumps beats Five Aces
MSU over UNI Ahearn and Co. make at least 22 FT's to offset UNI's O


BU over WSU Braves on a tear and Shox ain't playing Bulldogs in this one.
MSU over SIU It's Tourney time so Bears beat the Dawgs. What else is new?

MSU over BU Braves out of control, more or Les.

[WSUbballer]

Alot of BU-MSU final predictions to no surprise. While that's the most obvious set up that could happen, I think WSU and SIU could roll through the brackets just as easy and meet in the finals. Who knows..maybe the week off could cool off BU and MSU's recent momentum.

My predictions:
Eeny meeny miny moe..

[shocks_r_MVC_champs]

WSU will be the first have the first double crown in a long while, this team is definetly the best TEAM in the valley.

WSU 74
UNI 68

[salukisportsfreak75]

Alright here's my predictions:

Indiana St over Drake
Evansville over Illinois St

Wichita over Indiana St
Bradley over Creighton
SIU over Evansville
UNI over Missouri St

Bradley over Wichita
SIU over UNI

Bradley over SIU

6 TEAMS IN THE DANCE, with Creighton grabbing the last at large bid!

[stormpanther5012]

I think that UNI has the talent and the rest this week the do some damage. This is not an "unravled" team, with 3 losses by 3 pts or less and one bad bad game against the true "hottest team" Bradley, I think that UNI will have what it takes to get to Saturday, and likely Sunday. It being Jacobson and Crawford's last run things could get interesting.

MSU is playing well, but they played about as well as the possibly could have and got UNI by one, with UNI missing a last second shot to tie.

Friday will be a great game between the Bears and the Panthers, as the teams match up well and both need the win to make their resumes solid for the NCAAs.

I also think that the CU vs BU game will be crazy good as well, I cannot wait for this weekend. I am pulling for UNI, and like has been said repeatedly this is going to be a wild weekend and just about anyone could make a run and take the trophy home.

GO PANTHERS!!!

[Goroshnik]

Seeing that the Braves have won their last 5 games by double digits, they're my pick.

I just want to see SIU somehow make it to Sunday. If the Dawgs can get that far, I can rest a little easier next week.

[ISUMatt]

Hottest team is Bradley, never bet against Creighton, MSU usually takes out SIU, and WSU is 'Shocking' everyone this year. Dont forget UNI. Man sounds like St Louis will be a blast this year!!!

[Bradleyfan]

Well, I'll get the ball rolling on this one. I'll start with my Braves. This will be a tight game against Creighton. It's amazing how the Jim Les haters on the other Bradley message boards are all of the sudden predicting Bradley will roll over Creighton on Friday. I have news for them. Creighton is not going to roll over. If Bradley wants to dance this year, they are going to have to earn it. Injured or not, Creighton is always the best coached team in the league. Bradley has the talent and depth to win three games, but we all know how crazy this tourney is, especially this year. Let's take it one game at a time and see what happens.

I will go with BU over CU 68-66. No matter who wins though, it will probably be very close!

Go Braves! :)

[RockChalkWUShock]

This tourney will be crazy. There are so many teams that are trying to play well to earn a NCAA bid and some that need to play well to keep on the bubble. Of course I am rooting for the Shocks, but I don't think that it will be a cakewalk by any means. Lots of good competition.

[BlueDude]

No excuses, Bradley will probably win against CU, very close though. I'm pretty sure BU will be favored by 2-3 points.

[getreal4]

Play in games first

Indiana St over Drake Trees have Moss this time

Evansville over Ill St Aces have improved

[redbirds45]

i think anytime that you have a team that was in the top 25 over the past few weeks as the number 6 seed, it will be a great tournament. i however have to worry about the game tomorrow night, i am hoping to get at least another shot at a very good SIU team on Friday.

for the bradley/creighton game i will go with creighton. they are the underdog and i think coach altman will have them ready to go against a streaking Bradley team.

[BlueDude]

Play in games first

Indiana St over Drake Trees have Moss this time

Evansville over Ill St Aces have improved

Moss was unconscious at times against CU in Omaha, he will be a force at the Arch.

[WSUfan]

For Thursday, I predict:
Drake over Indiana State
Illinois State over Evansville

Nothing has been predictable this season and I think the underdogs on Thursday have a chance to pull off wins.

[redbirds45]

I know that evansville has improved but i think the Birds play too good of defense. the key to the game for the birds will be to control webster, he is an outstanding player who must be stopped. funny how evansville was in 10 for 3/4 of the season and in the last week went from 10th to 7th, a lot of credit to them. hopefully fortes is able to go full speed and give ISU the scoring that they need. if we can hit the 3 like we did at witchita st, i think we get a shot at SIU

[Webersback]

Should be a great tournament. I just hope the Salukis can make it to Sunday to truly solidify their NCAA status.

[jt45]

I just don't see anyone beating Bradley right now. That is if the Bradley of late shows up. With that said, I'd like to see The Dawgs make a run at em in the Championship Game!

[Hooloovoo]

The only thing I can say with absolute certainty is that Illinois St., Evansville and Drake won't be in the finals. Beyond that, anything could happen.

[Nyghtewynd]

The only thing I can say with absolute certainty is that Illinois St., Evansville and Drake won't be in the finals. Beyond that, anything could happen.

I think you can add InSU to that list, too. They've been so inconsistent that they may get one good game in, or maybe even two, but four is probably too much to ask.

[scottpt99UE]

Two months, maybe a month ago I would of said that UE was one and done, but I think this team is coming in with some momentum and will win Thursday and give SIU a scare on Friday, but will fall in the end.

[UNI MadCat]

First post -- I'm going with, suprise, suprise, the University of Northern Iowa Panthers.

UNI wins the title sweeping MSU, Illinois State and Indiana State. ;)

[topher79]

UNI has come completely unraveled. Toss them in with Illinois St, Evansville, Drake and Indiana St. as teams that will NOT win the tourney.

[BlueJay_Slim]

It's hard to pick against Creighton....doing so wouldn't have worked out well for you over the last 7 years.

But, the injuries cause a lack of depth that's sure to show over 3 games in 3 days.

I'd be happy to beat Bradley. Do it, and we're dancin' regardless.

[Nyghtewynd]

UNI has come completely unraveled. Toss them in with Illinois St, Evansville, Drake and Indiana St. as teams that will NOT win the tourney.

I don't buy that. They have not been playing well, certainly, but there's a big difference between the regular season and the tournament. If Jacobsen finds his shot, and the team understands that they need to win games to get into the NCAAs at this point, they could make a huge run. UNI/MSU is going to be an absolute war. UNI may have the edge because of their desperation--many people have been saying that MSU is in regardless of Friday's result, and they may come out flat if they've been reading those press clippings.

[JVShocker]

For now...
Indiana State over Drake.
Evansville over Illinois State.

Creighton over Bradley.

The others are too interesting and too close to call.:)

[UE-BBALL#1]

I know that evansville has improved but i think the Birds play too good of defense. the key to the game for the birds will be to control webster, he is an outstanding player who must be stopped. funny how evansville was in 10 for 3/4 of the season and in the last week went from 10th to 7th, a lot of credit to them. hopefully fortes is able to go full speed and give ISU the scoring that they need. if we can hit the 3 like we did at witchita st, i think we get a shot at SIU

Split series with IlSt. pulling out the win against UE when Webster was out. If the team keeps playing like they have they can win by double digits but sometimes you just can't tell.

UE 66
IlSt. 54

[GoCatsGo]

Well, you guys are right about one thing. It will be a war. MSU has been playing great. I don't know which UNI team will show up. The team that beat Iowa and LSU or the team that lost their last 4 Valley games. I hope and pray that it is the Iowa and LSU team. My prediction is UNI by 2. Your guy's thoughts?

[topher79]

That team that beat LSU and Iowa and even WSU twice is a distant memory. They look nothing like that team and haven't for a month now. Couple that with them going up against arguable the hottest team in the Valley right now in MSU and it's a recipe for disaster. Gotta give the fan factor to MSU too because UNI apparently does nothing with it even on Senior Night. All that said I still think UNI dances even with a loss.

MSU 78
UNI 70

[kevinmitchell]

I have the Bears beating Bradley in the finals on Sunday.

I have no idea who the "Jim Les haters" are that Bradleyfan is referencing, however.

[slalomshocker]

I don't think there will be a single game that is decided by more than 12 pts. (unless someone like In.St. makes it to the semis or something). This should be a great weekend of basketball, as a student I used to just go to the WSU games and then go out, but this year, I am going to buy tickets to every game and watch all of the great action. I think the winner of the CU BU game is going to win the tourny, I know I don't want to see Bradley, and if CU wins, for some reason we refuse to beat Altman (save the last sec. shot in Wichita). I think UNI will beat MSU and SIU and be around on Sunday, but I think they play Bradley and get beat, but not as bad as they did on senior night.

[cufan]

Josh Dotzler has been pretty much ruled out. Obviously, this hurts CU in terms of depth and taking pressure of Johnny to allow him to do what he does best. But, CU did take WSU to overtime on its home court and came within an in-and-out three point attempt with about 10 seconds to go of giving MSU fans some real heartburn in Springfield last week. Throw in the fact that Motz loves shooting in the Savis and A-Train's incentive to prove those who snubbed him in the All-MVC voting, and you have a very dangerous team.

O'Bryant is playing in his first MVC tournament, and Sommerville is just ready to move on to the next level (wishful thinking here). In the first go around between these teams, CU was not ready to match Bradley's phsycality. In the second meeting, CU left Bradley free to shoot at will for about the first 12 minutes of the game. But, once CU decided to match Bradley's intensity there really wasn't much of a contest. The scoreboard said four points at the end, but it was something like 10 points with a minute to go - CU having outscored Bradley by 22 points from about the 17 minute mark in the second half until there was a minute left. If CU plays tough and takes care of the ball, CU will pull this one out. Now, lets go fellas, no crow here, please.

I don't know if CU will have the depth to carry it into the finals. The first game is so important, that we will need to give maximum effort there. Can't leave anything in the tank. If CU gets past Bradley, you will probably see a lot more of Brice, Dominic and possibly even Manny Gakou in the second game, particularly if Dane Watts continues to be effected by that damn Mono bug. Dane has had up and down games depending on his energy level. He was really dragging at home against SIU and against MSU in the last game. He was pretty good against WSU and INd. St. So you just can't tell. Hopefully having no games for a week will allow him to gather some energy for the Friday night tilt. Just can't expect him to be able to be there all three days.

Lont story short- CU wins against Bradley but runs out of steam in the semis. Should be good enough to dance, however.

[Hooloovoo]

I think you can add InSU to that list, too. They've been so inconsistent that they may get one good game in, or maybe even two, but four is probably too much to ask.

Remember, I said make it to the finals, not win the finals. ;)

I think that InSU is dangerous enough to make it to Sunday if things fall right for them, but playing three games in three days would leave them gassed for the finals. That being said, WSU needs to be wary of the Trees, or we could have one of the biggest upsets in Valley tournament history on our hands.

[Myopicraiderfan]

Indiana St. and Evansville win play in games. Then I'm taking Creighton, Wichita, Southern Ill, and Mo St. I know Bradley is hot but after Creighton\WSU game Dana is a hell of a coach and I wouldn't bet against him. I think WSU won't choke against a good Indy team. Southern Ill handles Evansville. Mo State takes out N. Iowa. What happened N. Iowa? Is it youth? Coaching distrations? Mo State takes Southern Ill out and Creighton beats WSU. Creighton wins tourney.

[ShockerEngr]

Man I wish I could have gotten off work for this weekend.

No predictions here...I'd have better luck rolling a pair of dice!

[michaelkmcneil]

I actually like the winner of the Creighton/Bradley game to be in the final. No disrespect to WSU, that's just how it's played out the last few years.

[iSASO]

Everyone has gotten used to WSU choking in STL, just like they always choke in the regular season title chase...

[Coachdags]

This will be, by far the best MVC Tournament ever...I got Bradley over UNI by 1 point in OT.....

[steeleshocker]

So, I'm sitting here thinking about the tournament, and everyone's right, there are 6 teams who could concievably win it all....

What I don't understand is why some (now, these people are in the minority) posters believe WSU won't play with determination because their dance ticket is already punched. In my opinion, since WSU is already the reg. season champion, the pressure is off, and they don't have to worry about playing well for a NCAA bid. Because of this, they will play loose and hard, wanting to get another championship. This would make them much more dangerous than they have been over the past couple of weeks. I mean, I'm as excited about going to the NCAA as anybody else, but being a double MVC champ is a possibility, and would make this season just so much sweeter. Because of that, I think WSU will not let up a bit.

[BearChief]

MSU is playing well, but they played about as well as the possibly could have and got UNI by one, with UNI missing a last second shot to tie.



That's a crock, but keep telling it to youself if it makes you feel better. The Bears tried to give that one away, and even still the Panthers couldn't take advantage. UNI is on fumes. The week off will help them.....for a half. Bears will pull away in the 2nd half.

WSU over InSU
BU over CU
SIU over who cares?
MSU over UNI

WSU over BU
MSU over UNI

WSU over MSU - so what else is new? Bears obviously would dance anyway.

[91 mascot]

I have no idea who will win - but Good Luck to everyone!

[BMull10]

Hey guys first post here. Here are my predictions:

Evansville over Redbirds
Sycamores over Drake

Bradley over Creighton
UNI over Mo State
Shocks over Trees
Dawgs over Aces

Bradley over Shocks
Dawgs over Panthers

Braves over Dawgs.:(

We play on Sunday and we'll be in so that wouldn't be the worst thing to happen but obviously I want to win this thing. Go Dawgs!!

[pantherjoe]

DU over INSU
EU over ILSU
DU over WSU
BU over CU
SIU over EU
UNI over MSU
BU over DU
UNI over SIU
UNI over BU

[WuDrWu]

DU over WSU, that's rich.

How is it that the Valley Champions (by 2 games no less) are picked to win the tourney by almost nobody?

Just one man's observation (thank you BearChief).

[pantherjoe]

My Drake pick is more wishful thinking. Plus Im pretty sure im the only person with the dogs in the semis so I would get some serious bragging rights.

[iSASO]

Why is no one picking WSU to win in STL? Since the old board was technically down, no one knows that WSU was the conference champion, aka the best team in the conference.
Or maybe it's in the past and it doesn't count anymore.

[Fraydog]

Why is no one picking WSU to win in STL? Since the old board was technically down, no one knows that WSU was the conference champion, aka the best team in the conference.
Or maybe it's in the past and it doesn't count anymore.

iSASO, it's the ol' Jinx of the #1 Seed. I think that the only 1 seed I can remember winning Arch Madness was Illinois State in 1997 and 1998.

Personally, I feel better about our chances as a 2 seed than if we were a 1 seed. Maybe WSU will be better at bearing that burden than SIU has been over the last 4 years where we had the one seed, but that remains to be seen. With this conference as even as it is, who knows who the winner is going to be...

[BlueDude]

Why is no one picking WSU to win in STL? Since the old board was technically down, no one knows that WSU was the conference champion, aka the best team in the conference.
Or maybe it's in the past and it doesn't count anymore.

We'll see if the Shockers are content with the C-Title. Maybe people are thinking they are going to rest on their proverbial laurels.

For instance, in the NFL when you know you are in the playoffs, you might take a game or two off at the end of the season, rest your studs - what have you.

[Aargh]

It's kind of hard to compile all these picks, but just reading through them it looks just like the pre-season picks. WSU somewhere around 5th.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Just keep picking WSU 5th. Please.

[SalukiProf]

DU over WSU, that's rich.

How is it that the Valley Champions (by 2 games no less) are picked to win the tourney by almost nobody?

Just one man's observation (thank you BearChief).

Because there is an excellent chance that they will face the hottest team in the Conference in the semifinals.

Go VALLEY!

GO DAWGS!

[salukijones]

So, I'm sitting here thinking about the tournament, and everyone's right, there are 6 teams who could concievably win it all....

What I don't understand is why some (now, these people are in the minority) posters believe WSU won't play with determination because their dance ticket is already punched. In my opinion, since WSU is already the reg. season champion, the pressure is off, and they don't have to worry about playing well for a NCAA bid. Because of this, they will play loose and hard, wanting to get another championship. This would make them much more dangerous than they have been over the past couple of weeks. I mean, I'm as excited about going to the NCAA as anybody else, but being a double MVC champ is a possibility, and would make this season just so much sweeter. Because of that, I think WSU will not let up a bit.


Exactly what Saluki fans have been saying the past four years before the tournament. Oh...they already have a bid locked up, so there is no pressure, so they will come out loose and playing good. Well, four straight years of coming up short as the #1 seed. I think it's more likely that the teams that are playing for their NCAA lives will come out playing with the most intensity, or at least I hope so (re: Salukis).

[Bad Pass]

I don't think UNI can overcome the depth issue of going against the top of the Valley in three straight.

SIU needs at least two huge games out of Falker to have a chance at winning the tourney.

MSU needs tightly called games that put them at the line and Valley officials seem to be loosening up the last two weeks and letting them bang underneath and letting the Defense push the offense out front.

Crieghton has to stop Ruffin and at the same time play even with the BU front line. Win Friday and Creighton has a good shot at the championship.

BU has to display the focus, intensity, and teamwork of the last two weeks. If they revert to their early season play it is hello NIT. If they come out and play under control they can win the tourney. The bad part of that is every Bradley fan's worry. That the NBA throws so much money at POB that he can't ignore it.

[Bad Pass]

I left out WSu and it is easy. Hope that BU and MSU are ready to cool off.
If they face Creighton, control Tolliver.

[Myopicraiderfan]

Not to be negative to WSU as I am a shocker fan but I think I am being realistic. We barely beat creighton at home against a depleted squad. I think if WSU were to play SIU or UNI instead of Creighton they win. My heart says the shocks win it all. The brain says no.

[barkeep1967]

I think if WSU were to play SIU or UNI instead of Creighton they win.


So a team that took WSU 2 ot's at wichita and beat them at Carbondale has no chance?

sorry not buying that one.

[3baller]

Drake over Indiana State
Illinois State over Evansville

WSU over Drake
Bradley over Creighton
SIU over Ill State
UNI over MSU

WSU over Bradley
SIU over UNI

SIU over WSU

Every game is going to be a great one, even the 7-10 game will be a fun one to watch. SIU has the team and plays a style that can win three games in three days. I'll see you all down there on Friday!

GO PANTHERS!

[MSNSaluki]

It is official ... Wichita State fans have no comprehension of the basketball world outside of Koch Arena.:eek: :confused: If they did, they wouldn't be so surprised no one is picking them to win the conference tournament.

When was the last time the regular-season champion won the Valley tournament? At least five years ago, maybe more. And the MVC wasn't as strong from top to bottom as it is this year.

If Wichita State wins the tournament, it'll be the undisputed best team in the conference. Hands down. Even folks from Creighton and UNI would have no argument at that point.

But that's now how the Valley tournament works. Somehow, some way, the team or teams that arrive at the Savvis Center in dire need of a great tournament showing always seem to get it. Whether it's the competitive nature of the league or unidentified forces from behind the grassy knoll, the regular-season champ has no chance to win this weekend.

Thus, the 2006 Missouri Valley Conference tournament champions will be ... the Southern Illinois Salukis. You don't think Elgin is going to let the league's highest-profile program get out of town without a guaranteed NCAA bid tucked in its pocket, do you?

Wichita State? The Shockers are asked to take one for the league. They have no NCAA worries.:cool:
Missouri State? Barry's not THAT good a coach.:p
Creighton? Losing Dotzler hurts bad.:(
Bradley? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH. Les will find a way to screw it up.:confused:
UNI? The Panthers have had their day in the sun.:rolleyes:
Illinois State/Drake/Evansville/Indiana State? Enjoy the players buffet.:)

And that's the way it will be.:D

[SalukiFan344]

Indiana State > Drake
Evansville > Illinois State

Southern Illinois > Evansville
Wichita State > Indiana State
Missouri State > Northern Iowa
Bradley > Creighton

Missouri State > Southern Illinois
Bradley > Creighton

Missouri State > Bradley

[skinny_uncle]

I predict the tourney will end on Sunday on CBS.
Everything else is pretty much a tossup.
:D

[iSASO]

"If Wichita State wins the tournament, it'll be the undisputed best team in the conference. Hands down. Even folks from Creighton and UNI would have no argument at that point."

How can two teams who finished two games behind WSU at the end of the regular season (eighteen game) schedule still argue they are the best team?

WSU already is the undisputed 'best team in the conference'. That's what the trophy is for. Check my avatar. Questions?

[RoundhouseSteve]

[QUOTE=joey eischen]It is official ... Wichita State fans have no comprehension of the basketball world outside of Koch Arena.


LOL LOL LOL LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[MSNSaluki]

mmmm ... friday's results confirm my scenario has legs.

bradley and siu needed wins ... and got them.

anybody betting against a bradley-siu final?

[bcrawf]

mmmm ... friday's results confirm my scenario has legs.

bradley and siu needed wins ... and got them.

anybody betting against a bradley-siu final?

Yes, The UNI team that showed up in STL is the December/ January UNI Team. UNI-Bradley Final. UNI wins. UNI gets a 6 seed.

[WSUfan]

It is official ... Wichita State fans have no comprehension of the basketball world outside of Koch Arena.:eek: :confused: If they did, they wouldn't be so surprised no one is picking them to win the conference tournament.

When was the last time the regular-season champion won the Valley tournament? At least five years ago, maybe more. And the MVC wasn't as strong from top to bottom as it is this year.

If Wichita State wins the tournament, it'll be the undisputed best team in the conference. Hands down. Even folks from Creighton and UNI would have no argument at that point.

But that's now how the Valley tournament works. Somehow, some way, the team or teams that arrive at the Savvis Center in dire need of a great tournament showing always seem to get it. Whether it's the competitive nature of the league or unidentified forces from behind the grassy knoll, the regular-season champ has no chance to win this weekend.

Thus, the 2006 Missouri Valley Conference tournament champions will be ... the Southern Illinois Salukis. You don't think Elgin is going to let the league's highest-profile program get out of town without a guaranteed NCAA bid tucked in its pocket, do you?

Wichita State? The Shockers are asked to take one for the league. They have no NCAA worries.:cool:
Missouri State? Barry's not THAT good a coach.:p
Creighton? Losing Dotzler hurts bad.:(
Bradley? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH. Les will find a way to screw it up.:confused:
UNI? The Panthers have had their day in the sun.:rolleyes:
Illinois State/Drake/Evansville/Indiana State? Enjoy the players buffet.:)

And that's the way it will be.:D
I have heard from SIU fans in the past that the MVC office makes sure the number one seed gets no help from the refs so that the Valley gets at least two NCAA bids. The post above made me think of these comments again : Wichita State? The Shockers are asked to take one for the league. Do SIU (and other) fans still feel this way? Does the number one seed always get screwed?

[kabullseye]

Conferences increase their take every time another team gets in. Teams that are "a lock" have a financial incentive to lose.

[NoPlaceLikeDome]

I'll be honest, if Bradley wins today. I will have no problem at all if SIU beats UNI (as long as the game is respectable). To me, getting 5 teams in is more important in the long haul than getting a good seed.

Then again, if Bradley loses, all bets are off.

[BMull10]

Yay, I'm still perfect.:p

Hopefully I stay perfect until the championship game when SIU proves me wrong. :)

[MSNSaluki]

I have heard from SIU fans in the past that the MVC office makes sure the number one seed gets no help from the refs so that the Valley gets at least two NCAA bids. The post above made me think of these comments again : Wichita State? The Shockers are asked to take one for the league. Do SIU (and other) fans still feel this way? Does the number one seed always get screwed?
I'm not sure SIU fans think they got screwed as the No. 1 seed the last four years.
It's just ironic they fared poorly when they were probably already in. The Valley ALWAYS seems to have teams that really need victories find them in the tournament.
Bradley's already won today ... are there still doubters? If SIU beats Northern Iowa, the perfect scenario for the Valley will have unfolded.

[MSNSaluki]

It is official ... Wichita State fans have no comprehension of the basketball world outside of Koch Arena.:eek: :confused: If they did, they wouldn't be so surprised no one is picking them to win the conference tournament.

When was the last time the regular-season champion won the Valley tournament? At least five years ago, maybe more. And the MVC wasn't as strong from top to bottom as it is this year.

If Wichita State wins the tournament, it'll be the undisputed best team in the conference. Hands down. Even folks from Creighton and UNI would have no argument at that point.

But that's now how the Valley tournament works. Somehow, some way, the team or teams that arrive at the Savvis Center in dire need of a great tournament showing always seem to get it. Whether it's the competitive nature of the league or unidentified forces from behind the grassy knoll, the regular-season champ has no chance to win this weekend.

Thus, the 2006 Missouri Valley Conference tournament champions will be ... the Southern Illinois Salukis. You don't think Elgin is going to let the league's highest-profile program get out of town without a guaranteed NCAA bid tucked in its pocket, do you?

Wichita State? The Shockers are asked to take one for the league. They have no NCAA worries.:cool:
Missouri State? Barry's not THAT good a coach.:p
Creighton? Losing Dotzler hurts bad.:(
Bradley? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH. Les will find a way to screw it up.:confused:
UNI? The Panthers have had their day in the sun.:rolleyes:
Illinois State/Drake/Evansville/Indiana State? Enjoy the players buffet.:)

And that's the way it will be.:D


Regardless of who wins between Bradley and SIU tomorrow, this point has been proven!

Now, let's hope that means all 6 deserving Valley teams get in the NCAA tournament!

[salukisportsfreak75]

Alright here's my predictions:

Indiana St over Drake
Evansville over Illinois St

Wichita over Indiana St
Bradley over Creighton
SIU over Evansville
UNI over Missouri St

Bradley over Wichita
SIU over UNI

Bradley over SIU

6 TEAMS IN THE DANCE, with Creighton grabbing the last at large bid!


Well, I'm 100% so far. But now that we've got this far, I hope I'm wrong about the championship game. I still really want Creighton to get us a 6th bid though.

[MSNSaluki]

the late saturday game night just did a comparison between creighton and cincinnati as bubble teams.
the numbers are awfully close but gotlieb and brennan each said creighton should get the bid.
for what that's worth.

[WuGameClan]

just saw that as well. all three agreed that the jays were the better team.

[BMull10]

Hey guys first post here. Here are my predictions:

Evansville over Redbirds
Sycamores over Drake

Bradley over Creighton
UNI over Mo State
Shocks over Trees
Dawgs over Aces

Bradley over Shocks
Dawgs over Panthers

Braves over Dawgs.:(

We play on Sunday and we'll be in so that wouldn't be the worst thing to happen but obviously I want to win this thing. Go Dawgs!!

Alright, still 100 percent, now prove me wrong Dawgs.