Official 2009-2010 MVC Basketball thread

[clenz]

Conference Stadnings as of 12/30/09

Team CW LL GB PCT OW OL PCT
Missouri State 1 0 - 1.000 11 1 .917
Northern Iowa 1 0 - 1.000 10 1 .909
Illinois State 1 0 - 1.000 10 2 .833
Southern Illinois 1 0 - 1.000 8 2 .800
Bradley 1 0 ½ 1.000 6 5 .545
Wichita State 0 1 2 .000 11 2 .846
Indiana State 0 1 1 .000 8 4 .667
Evansville 0 1 1½ .000 6 5 .545
Creighton 0 1 1 .000 5 7 .417
Drake 0 1 1½ .000 5 8 .385

[clenz]

Game results from 1/1/10

Indiana St. 70
Creighton 64

Associated Press
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Rashad Reed scored 18 points Friday to lead Indiana State to a 70-64 Missouri Valley Conference victory over Creighton.

Dwayne Lathan added 13 points and Harry Marshall 10 for the Sycamores (9-4, 1-1).

The Bluejays (5-8, 0-2) were led by P'Allen Stinnett's 19 points and the second career double-double by Kenny Lawson Jr., who had 13 points and 14 rebounds.

Indiana State shot only 37.7 percent but made 25 of 34 free throws.

The Sycamores led 34-27 at intermission and were up 41-35 before Creighton rallied to tie at 41 on Stinnett's 3-pointer and Andrew Bock's three-point play.

But two free throws by Lathan sandwiched a 3-pointer by Jordan Printy to give Indiana State a 46-41 edge. Marshall's 3-pointer extended that to 55-45 with 10:48 left. Creighton got no closer than four the rest of the way.

Creighton, which outrebounded Indiana State 38-36, is winless in seven road games.

Game Leaders
CREIGHTON INDIANA STATE
Points P. Stinnett 19 R. Reed 18
Rebounds K. Lawson Jr. 14 H. Marshall 7
Assists A. Young 2 D. Lathan 4
Steals A. Young 1 I. Martin 2
Blocks K. Lawson Jr. 1 B. Leitnaker 2

[clenz]

Late game recaps from 1/1/10

S. Illinois 86
Bradley 81

Associated Press
PEORIA, Ill. -- Tony Freeman scored 23 points and Southern Illinois outscored Bradley 14-2 in the final minute and a half to win 86-81 Friday night.

Kevin Dillard added 17 points for the Salukis (9-2, 2-0 Missouri Valley), Justin Bocot 16 and Carlton Fay 14.

Bradley's Taylor Brown led all scorers with 25 points. Adam Warren had 24 points, and Will Egolf posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Braves (6-6, 1-1).

Down 49-36 at intermission, the Salukis exploded for a 50-32 margin in the second half.

Bradley led 79-72 with 1:44 left after Egolf's jumper.

But Dillard hit a 3-pointer with 1:28 to go, and the Braves turned the ball over on three straight possessions, allowing the Salukis to finally claim the lead on Freeman's 3-pointer with 27 seconds left.

Bradley's Sam Maniscalco responded with a basket, but SIU closed it out with four more free throws.


Game Leaders
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS BRADLEY
Points T. Freeman 23 T. Brown 25
Rebounds K. Dillard 6 W. Egolf 10
Assists K. Dillard 12 C. Roberts 6
Steals K. Dillard 3 C. Roberts 2
Blocks N. Evans 2 C. Roberts 1

N. Iowa 65
Evansville 46

Associated Press
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Northern Iowa started both halves with huge runs en route to a 65-46 victory over Evansville on Friday night.

Adam Koch scored 16 points and Johnny Moran 15 for the Panthers (11-1, 2-0 Missouri Valley), who won their 10th in a row. Denver Holmes was the only double-figure scorer for the Purple Aces (6-6, 0-2) with 17.

Northern Iowa started the game with an 11-0 spurt, the first nine coming from Moran. Troy Taylor's free throw finally got Evansville on the board.

The Purple Aces rallied through the rest of the first half and went to the break ahead 33-31.

But Northern Iowa opened the second half with a 21-4 blast and led 52-37 with 9:41 to go. The Panthers were never in trouble after that, pushing the lead to 24 at 65-41.

Northern Iowa has won 10 in a row against Evansville and leads the series 18-17.

Game Leaders
EVANSVILLE NORTHERN IOWA
Points D. Holmes 17 A. Koch 16
Rebounds B. Bouchie 4 J. Eglseder 9
Assists N. Cox 2 A. Koch 3
Steals C. Ryan 2 A. Koch 2

Missouri St. 68
Illinois St. 64

Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Adam Leonard scored 20 points and made several key plays down the stretch, and Kyle Weems added 19 points to help Missouri State hold off Illinois State 68-64 Friday night.

Missouri State (12-1, 2-0 Missouri Valley Conference) rode its starters for most of the game, never able to pull away until the closing seconds in its biggest win so far. Jermaine Mallett added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Bears in their first home game since Dec. 9.

Illinois State (10-3, 1-1) clawed back after numerous Missouri State runs, pulling even in the closing seconds before coming up just short. Jackie Carmichael had 14 points, Osiris Eldridge 13 and Dinma Odiakosa 11 for the Redbirds.

An 11-win team a year ago, Missouri State has used scrappy defense and interchangeable parts on offense for its best start since opening 13-1 under Steve Alford in 1996-97.

Game Leaders
ILLINOIS STATE MISSOURI STATE
Points J. Carmichael 14 A. Leonard 20
Rebounds D. Odiakosa 9 J. Mallett 11
Assists O. Eldridge 3 J. Fuehrmeyer 5
Steals L. Phillips 2 A. Leonard 1
Blocks J. Carmichael 2 C. Patterson 4

Wichita St. 61
Drake 38

Associated Press
WICHITA, Kan. -- Toure Murry scored 11 points and helped lead a stout defensive effort that sent Wichita State past Drake 61-38 on Friday night.

Wichita State (12-2, 1-1 Missouri Valley) blocked nine shots and held Drake to 2-of-22 shooting from the 3-point line.

Drake (5-9, 0-2) was led by Josh Young's nine points.

The Bulldogs cut a seven-point halftime deficit to 32-29, but Wichita State followed with the decisive 15-4 run. David Kyles had two layups during the stretch, while Gabe Blair and Garrett Stutz added big blocks that led to baskets.

Demetric Williams' 3-pointer capped the run, giving Wichita State a 47-33 lead midway through the second half.

Wichita State's rebounding sparked an 11-5 first-half run. It included two 3-pointers from Graham Hatch, who matched his season average of eight points in the first half. The Shockers led 27-20 at halftime.

Game Leaders
DRAKE WICHITA STATE
Points J. Young 9 T. Murry 11
Rebounds S. VanDeest 5 G. Stutz 8
Assists C. Stanley 3 T. Murry 3
Steals R. Wedel 4 T. Murry 2
Blocks S. VanDeest 4 G. Blair 2

[dbackjon]

Is Drake really that bad this year?

[DJH]

Drake is that bad. And Wichita is a very good team this year.

[clenz]

Is Drake really that bad this year?

Drake is that bad, but they are a young team with little experience. I thought I heard their coach say they are playing 5 or 6 freshman/first year guys at Drake.


The thing is, this is the norm for Drake though. They had that one great year, but in reality that was a complete accident. It was their one good year in about 35

[skinny_uncle]

Drake is that bad. And Wichita is a very good team this year.

Texas tech might agree.

[skinny_uncle]

Is Drake really that bad this year?

Northern Iowa 3-0 12-1
Wichita St. 2-1 13-2
Missouri St. 2-1 12-2
Illinois St. 2-1 11-3
Southern Ill. 2-1 9-3
Indiana St. 2-1 10-4
Bradley 1-2 6-7
Creighton 1-2 6-8
Evansville 0-3 6-7
Drake 0-3 5-10

not off to a good start at least.

[OSBF]

Is Drake really that bad this year?

but they still have josh young, really good player on a crappy team

[clenz]

After an 11 game win streak, starting 3-0 in conference and a 12-1 start UNI is finally moving up in the polls, #31 in the ESPN poll #38 in the AP poll . This coming week or so is going to be tough tough. Going back to Friday there is 4 games in 9 days. Last Friday against Evansville (2-1 in conference), this past Sunday (Missouri State (12-2 overall) (both at home). This coming week UNI goes to SIU, 9-3 (2-1), on the 6th then to Il. State on the 9th, who is 11-3.


If UNI can go 2-0 this week they are in a great position for the rest of the season. However, a loss to ISU may cost them a tie break in the long run as I see ISUR as a bigger threat than SIU right now. UNI must go at least 1-1 though, an 0-2 week kills the season.

Game Results from 1/3/09


N. Iowa 84
Missouri St. 76
Associated Press
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Jordan Eglseder scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as Northern Iowa defeated Missouri State 84-76 Sunday.

Adam Koch added 18 points and Ali Farokhmanesh 13 for the Panthers (12-1, 3-0 Missouri Valley), who have won 11 straight.

Jermaine Mallett led the Bears (12-2, 2-1) with 13 points while Adam Leonard and Will Creekmore each finished with 12.

Northern Iowa trailed 63-62 with 7:18 to play but then went on an 11-1 run, breaking open a game which featured 16 lead changes and 11 ties. Missouri State didn't get closer than six the rest of the way.

Neither team led by more than seven in the first half, and the score was tied 34-34 at intermission.

Game Leaders
MISSOURI STATE NORTHERN IOWA
Points J. Mallett 13 J. Eglseder 22
Rebounds K. Weems 9 J. Eglseder 13
Assists K. Weems 3 A. Koch 3
Steals A. Leonard 2 A. Farokhmanesh 2
Blocks K. Weems 2 J. Eglseder 1

Creighton 72
Evansville 64

Associated Press
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Kenny Lawson posted his second straight double-double to help Creighton fight off Evansville 72-64 Sunday.

Lawson had 18 points and 11 rebounds as the Bluejays (6-8, 1-2 Missouri Valley) picked up their first road victory. Justin Carter scored 14 and Cavel Witter 12, Lawson blocked a career-high seven shots and P'Allen Stinnett made the 100th 3-pointer of his career.

Evansville freshman Colt Ryan rebounded from a scoreless game Friday at Northern Iowa to explode for 26 points, including 6 of 11 on 3-pointers. Denver Holmes added 10 points for the Purple Aces (6-7, 0-3).

Creighton led by 14 before Evansville trimmed it to 56-50. Then Ryan hit a 2-pointer and a pair of 3-pointers to put the Purple Aces ahead 58-56 with 7:36 to go.

But Lawson broke a 60-60 tie on a three-point play with 4:57 to go as part of Creighton's 16-4 run to finish the game.

Game Leaders
CREIGHTON EVANSVILLE
Points K. Lawson Jr. 18 C. Ryan 26
Rebounds K. Lawson Jr. 11 T. Taylor 6
Assists P. Stinnett 4 T. Taylor 6
Steals P. Stinnett 2 N. Cox 1
Blocks K. Lawson Jr. 7 P. van Tongeren 1

Wichita St. 81
Bradley 69

Associated Press
WICHITA, Kan. -- Forward J.T. Durley hit all three of his 3-point attempts and scored 19 points to lead Wichita State past Bradley 81-69 on Sunday.

Wichita State (13-2, 2-1 Missouri Valley) never trailed after halftime while improving to 10-0 at home. Toure Murry added 15 points for the Shockers.

Bradley (6-7, 1-2) was led by Sam Maniscalco's season-high 20 points.

Leading by one at halftime, Wichita State took control in the second half's opening minutes. Consecutive 3-pointers by Clevin Hannah and Durley ignited a 10-0 run to make it 49-38 Shockers. Wichita State pushed the lead to 58-45 on a Garrett Stutz putback with 10:35 remaining.

There were five ties and eight lead changes in a furious first half. Consecutive three-point plays by Bradley's Andrew Warren and Maniscalco put the Braves ahead 23-19. Hannah and Murry hit 3-pointers in the final 2 minutes as Wichita State led 39-38 at the break.

Game Leaders
BRADLEY WICHITA STATE
Points S. Maniscalco 20 J. Durley 19
Rebounds C. Roberts 6 G. Hatch 9
Assists S. Maniscalco 2 C. Hannah 8
Steals C. Roberts 3 T. Murry 1
Blocks S. Singh 1 T. Murry 1

Indiana St. 60
Drake 46

Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Harry Marshall scored 15 points and Indiana State closed the game on a 21-4 run to beat Drake 60-46 Sunday night.

The Sycamores (10-4, 2-1 Missouri Valley) got 12 points from Dwayne Lathan and 11 from Rashad Reed.

The Bulldogs (5-10, 0-3), who lost their fifth in a row, were led by Aaron Hawley and Josh Young, who scored nine each.

After Ryan Wedel gave Drake a 42-39 edge with 8:52 left, Indiana State took the lead for the first time since the opening minutes on back-to-back 3-pointers by Jordan Printy and Reed. Carl Richard completed the 8-0 spurt with 6:50 left to give the Sycamores a 47-42 advantage.

Drake mustered nothing thereafter except one basket apiece by Hawley and Young.

Game Leaders
INDIANA STATE DRAKE
Points H. Marshall 15 J. Young 9
Rebounds D. Lathan 6 A. Hawley 6
Assists J. Printy 4 J. Young 4
Steals D. Lathan 1 J. Young 1
Blocks D. Lathan 3 A. Hawley 1



The Bulldogs led 26-19 after a first half in which the teams combined to shoot 32.8 percent (19 of 58). Indiana State finished at 44.4, Drake at 35.2.

Illinois St. 68
S. Illinois 61

Associated Press
NORMAL, Ill. -- Lloyd Phillips scored 21 points, including four 3-pointers, and Illinois State used an 11-0 second-half run to defeat Southern Illinois 68-61 Sunday night.

Osiris Eldridge scored 14 points for the Redbirds (11-3, 2-1 Missouri Valley) and Dinma Odiakosa had 10 points and nine rebounds.

An Odiakosa layup with 8:22 remaining gave Illinois State the lead for good at 49-47, followed by a Phillips 3 and two more Odiakosa baskets. Tony Lewis made two free throws to put the Redbirds ahead 58-47 with 4:45 to play.

Kevin Dillard scored 16 points for the Salukis (9-3, 2-1). Justin Bocot had 13 points, Tony Freeman had 11 and Anthony Booker had eight points and 10 rebounds for Southern Illinois, which led 29-24 at halftime.

Game Leaders
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ILLINOIS STATE
Points K. Dillard 16 L. Phillips 21
Rebounds A. Booker 10 D. Odiakosa 9
Assists K. Dillard 3 O. Eldridge 3
Steals J. Freeman 3 O. Eldridge 2
Blocks A. Booker 2 J. Carmichael 1

[OSBF]

The MVC will be the same bloodbath it is every year. 4 loses, perhaps 5 will be good enough to win the thing. The best you can hope to do is hold serve at home, beat InSU, Drake, and E'ville on the road, and hope to "steal" 1-2 other road wins.

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Standings Conference Overall
W L GB PCT W L PCT
Northern Iowa 3 0 - 1.000 12 1 .923
Wichita State 2 1 1 .667 13 2 .867
Missouri State 2 1 1 .667 12 2 .857
Illinois State 2 1 1 .667 11 3 .786
Southern Illinois 2 1 1 .667 9 3 .750
Indiana State 2 1 1 .667 10 4 .714
Bradley 1 2 2 .333 6 7 .462
Creighton 1 2 2 .333 6 8 .429
Evansville 0 3 3 .000 6 7 .462
Drake 0 3 3 .000 5 10 .333

Team PPG For PPG Against Streak
Northern Iowa 68.2 57.8 W11
Wichita State 73.1 58.1 W2
Missouri State 72.4 62.0 L1
Illinois State 73.6 63.9 W1
Southern Illinois 75.1 67.3 L1
Indiana State 64.9 61.7 W2
Bradley 66.9 68.6 L2
Evansville 68.6 67.0 L4
Creighton 70.4 67.7 W1
Drake 66.0 69.7 L5

[clenz]

The MVC will be the same bloodbath it is every year. 4 loses, perhaps 5 will be good enough to win the thing. The best you can hope to do is hold serve at home, beat InSU, Drake, and E'ville on the road, and hope to "steal" 1-2 other road wins.

I'm hoping UNI steals one at either WSU, MSU, or ISU. I think we can beat SIU on the 6th, but the Dogs are always tough at home, and I don't see them being the threat that those other three will be when it comes to needed a head to head tie break

[clenz]

Individual Statistics Leaders

PPG
1. O. Eldridge, Illinois St 18.3
2. T. Brown, Bradley 15.3
3. A. Warren, Bradley 15.2
4. K. Dillard, S Illinois 15.2
5. K. Weems, Missouri St 15.1


RPG
1. D. Odiakosa, Illinois St 8.4
2. J. Haarsma, Evansville 8.2
3. J. Eglseder, N Iowa 8.2
4. K. Lawson Jr., Creighton 7.1
5. A. Templeton, Drake 6.2


APG
1. K. Dillard, S Illinois 5.8
2. C. Hannah, Wichita St 5.2
3. J. Fuehrmeyer, Missouri St 4.0
3. L. Phillips, Illinois St 4.0
4. T. Taylor, Evansville 3.5


FG%
1. D. Odiakosa, Illinois St 67.0
2. N. Evans, S Illinois 55.7
3. K. Lawson Jr., Creighton 54.4
4. C. Patterson, Missouri St 54.1
5. J. Durley, Wichita St 53.9

[clenz]

Team Statistical Leaders

Scoring Offense
1. Southern Illinois 75.1
2. Illinois State 73.6
3. Wichita State 73.1
4. Missouri State 72.4
5. Creighton 70.4
6. Evansville 68.6
7. Northern Iowa 68.2
8. Bradley 66.9
9. Drake 66.0
10. Indiana State 64.9

Rebounds
1. Evansville 38.1
2. Illinois State 36.9
3. Wichita State 36.8
4. Creighton 35.4
5. Indiana State 34.1
6. Missouri State 33.6
7. Northern Iowa 32.6
8. Southern Illinois 32.4
9. Bradley 31.3
10. Drake 29.5


Field Goal %
1. Southern Illinois 46.8
2. Wichita State 46.5
3. Illinois State 46.1
4. Missouri State 45.4
5. Northern Iowa 45.1
6. Evansville 44.3
7. Creighton 44.2
8. Bradley 43.9
9. Indiana State 43.4
10. Drake 42.2

3-Point Shooting
1. Missouri State 40.6
2. Northern Iowa 40.2
3. Southern Illinois 38.0
4. Evansville 37.2
5. Drake 37.0
6. Wichita State35.5
7. Bradley34.0
8. Creighton33.5
9. Illinois State 33.1
10. Indiana State 32.9

[DJH]

Big week for the Valley. UNI plays at SIU and ISUred this week on ESPNU and ESPN2. WSU is at MSU this week and also has CU at home.

[clenz]

Bradley 91 OT
Indiana St. 85 OT

Associated Press
PEORIA, Ill. -- Andrew Warren scored a career-high 26 points and Sam Maniscalco added 21 to lead Bradley past Indiana State 91-85 in overtime Wednesday night.

Warren has scored at least 24 points in three of the first four Missouri Valley Conference games.

Taylor Brown had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Braves (7-7, 2-2). Will Egolf added 10 points.

Rashad Reed led Indiana State (10-5, 2-2) with 17 points. Harry Marshall added 16 points and Jordan Printy 15. Carl Richard had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Sycamores.

Indiana State had 16 3-pointers, the most ever against Bradley, but was 0 of 3 from behind the arc in overtime. Bradley made 13 3-pointers, the most since beating East Tennessee State Nov. 29, 2008.

Maniscalco's 3-pointer with 2:36 left in the overtime gave Bradley the lead for good.

Game Leaders
INDIANA STATE BRADLEY
Points R. Reed 17 A. Warren 26
Rebounds C. Richard 10 T. Brown 11
Assists H. Marshall 9 T. Brown 5
Steals H. Marshall 1 C. Roberts 2
Blocks I. Martin 3 W. Egolf 1

Creighton 73
Drake 69

Associated Press
OMAHA, Neb. -- Kenny Lawson Jr. and Justin Carter combined for 34 points Wednesday as Creighton held off struggling Drake 73-69.

Lawson scored 13 of his 17 points in the first half, and Carter had 11 of his 17 after the break as the Bluejays (7-8, 2-2 Missouri Valley) handed Drake its sixth straight loss.

Craig Stanley had 15 points and Josh Young added 14 for the Bulldogs (5-11, 0-4).

Creighton led by double digits for most of the second half until Drake put together a 12-4 run late in the game. Young's layup with 11 seconds remaining pulled the Bulldogs within 71-69.

An errant pass by Lawson against the press gave Drake two shots to tie the game in the closing seconds. However, Ryan Wedel missed a driving attempt after his steal and Young couldn't get his follow attempt to fall. Cavel Witter got the rebound and hit two foul shots at the other end for Creighton.

Game Leaders
DRAKE CREIGHTON
Points C. Stanley 15 K. Lawson Jr. 17
Rebounds A. Templeton 6 J. Carter 7
Assists C. Stanley 6 A. Young 5
Steals R. Wedel 5 P. Stinnett 2
Blocks S. VanDeest 1 K. Lawson Jr. 3

Illinois St. 82
Evansville 63

Associated Press
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Jackie Carmichael scored 20 points to lead four Illinois State players in double figures as the Redbirds defeated Evansville 82-63 Wednesday night.

Carmichael scored 13 of his points in an early stretch that saw Illinois State (12-3, 3-1 Missouri Valley) take a 30-12 lead. The Redbirds led 42-25 at halftime.

Osiris Eldridge had 18 points and eight rebounds for Illinois State. Lloyd Phillips had 11 points and nine assists and Tony Lewis scored 10 points. The Redbirds shot 50 percent from the field in the game while Evansville shot 31 percent.

Denver Holmes scored a game-high 23 points for Evansville (6-8, 0-4). Colt Ryan had 12 points and James Haarsma had nine points and 11 rebounds for the Aces.


Game Leaders
ILLINOIS STATE EVANSVILLE
Points J. Carmichael 20 D. Holmes 23
Rebounds O. Eldridge 8 J. Haarsma 11
Assists L. Phillips 9 K. Lacey 4
Steals A. Rubin 3 K. Lacey 1
Blocks J. Carmichael 2 J. Haarsma 1

Wichita St. 65
Missouri St. 62

Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Clevin Hannah scored 15 points and Wichita State held off Missouri State 65-62 Wednesday night after nearly blowing a 25-point lead.

The Shockers (14-2, 3-1 Missouri Valley) led 43-18 with 18:19 to play, but the Bears (12-3, 2-2) put on a furious 31-8 rally to trail 51-49 with 6:02 left.

A 3-pointer by Missouri State's Jermaine Mallett with 42 seconds left made it 63-61. Nafis Ricks hit the first to two free throws 12.2 second left but missed the second, making the 63-62. Graham Hatch then hit two free throws for Wichita State and Missouri State failed to score again.

Toure Murry and J.T. Durley each had 13 for Wichita State and Hatch added 12 points and nine rebounds.

Mallett finished with 21 points, Kyle Weems added 16 and Adam Leonard had 12.


Game Leaders
WICHITA STATE MISSOURI STATE
Points C. Hannah 15 J. Mallett 21
Rebounds G. Hatch 9 J. Mallett 9
Assists C. Hannah 3 N. Ricks 4
Steals C. Hannah 2 K. Weems 3
Blocks J. Durley 2 K. Weems 2

N. Iowa 61
S. Illinois 49

Associated Press
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Jordan Eglseder had 17 points and 14 rebounds Wednesday night to help Northern Iowa to a 61-49 victory over Southern Illinois.

Adam Koch and Johnny Moran each added 11 points for the Panthers (13-1, 4-0 Missouri Valley), who never trailed and led by as many as 25 points midway through the second half.

Tony Freeman, with 13 points, was the only player in double figures for the Salukis (9-4, 2-2).

Northern Iowa scored the game's first nine points, made 50 percent of its shots in the first half in building a 36-20 halftime lead. The Panthers slumped to 26 percent in the second half to finish at 39 percent, and made just six field goals after halftime, but went 10-for-14 from the free-throw line after the break.

Southern Illinois shot 35 percent for the game, and trailed by double digits for all but the game's first five minutes.

Game Leaders
NORTHERN IOWA SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Points J. Eglseder 17 T. Freeman 13
Rebounds J. Eglseder 14 K. Dillard 6
Assists A. Koch 3 K. Brown-Surles 3
Steals J. Moran 2 K. Brown-Surles 2
Blocks J. Eglseder 1 N. Evans 3

[clenz]

Standings as of 1/7/09

Northern Iowa 3-0 - 12-1
Wichita State 3-1 1 14-2
Illinois State 3-1 1 12-3
Southern Illinois 2-1 1 9-3
Missouri State 2-2 1 12-3
Indiana State 2-2 1 10-5
Bradley 2-2 2 7-7
Creighton 2-2 2 7-8
Evansville 0-4 3 6-8
Drake 0-4 3 5-11

[clenz]

UNI cracks the ESPN Top 25 Power Rankings


1 Kansas (10) 14-0 250 It took a herculean effort from Sherron Collins (33 points) to keep Kansas from seeing Red at home to Cornell. The Jayhawks have a final nonconference test at short-handed Tennessee before Big 12 play begins with a visit to Nebraska.
2 Texas 14-0 240 A second-half push and a double-double from Dexter Pittman (21 points, 10 rebounds) powered Texas past Arkansas in the Longhorns' final nonconference tuneup. The Horns begin Big 12 play with a visit from Colorado.
3 Kentucky 15-0 228 The Wildcats, led by frosh sensation John Wall, have aced all tests to date: beating last year's defending champs, winning in Madison Square Garden and seizing in-state bragging rights with a win over Louisville. Up next for UK: winning the SEC title, beginning with Georgia.
4 Purdue 14-0 220 The wins keep piling up for the Boilermakers, as they matched their best start in school history with a win over Minnesota to improve to 14-0. To beat the mark, they'll have to win at the Kohl Center on Saturday -- never a sure bet, even for a team as hot as Purdue.
5 Duke 13-1 211 Jon Scheyer made himself right at home in Chicago as Duke slammed Iowa State at the United Center. The Illinois native scored 31 points for the Blue Devils, who dip back into ACC play with a visit to Georgia Tech on Saturday.
6 Syracuse 14-1 192 Jim Boeheim wasn't happy with his team and swears he can't explain Syracuse's sloppy play. But the fact that he's so upset despite a 17-point win over Memphis is an indication of the fast start the Orange have enjoyed this season. Big East play resumes Sunday against South Florida.
7 Villanova 13-1 191 DePaul didn't put up much of a fight, and Villanova was in no mood to take it easy on the Blue Demons in a 99-72 drubbing Wednesday. In an odd scheduling twist, the Wildcats get a rematch with Marquette on Saturday, just a week removed from a two-point win on the road at the Golden Eagles' place.
8 West Virginia 12-1 182 The Mountaineers bounced back from their first loss of the season at Purdue last weekend with a dominating win over Rutgers. West Virginia hits the road for its next two Big East games, beginning with a visit to Notre Dame on Saturday.
9 Michigan State 12-3 166 The Spartans improved to 2-0 in Big Ten play with a 54-47 win over Wisconsin. Michigan State visits Iowa before enjoying three straight league home games. If you're waiting for the MSU-Purdue matchup, however, you'll have to wait until February.
10 Kansas State 13-1 164 Kansas State, the biggest surprise team in the country, let alone the Big 12, has reeled off 10 straight wins since suffering its only loss of the year to Ole Miss. The Wildcats will test their league credentials with a tricky visit to Missouri on Saturday.
11 Connecticut 11-3 136 Jerome Dyson was a rebound shy of a triple-double in UConn's 71-63 win over Seton Hall as the Huskies improved to 2-1 in Big East play. Up next: a visit to Georgetown on Saturday.
12 North Carolina 11-4 128 Coming off a national championship, losses to Syracuse, Kentucky and Texas aren't entirely surprising. But College of Charleston? That wasn't in the rebuilding plans for North Carolina. The Tar Heels look to get back on track in their ACC opener against Virginia Tech.
13 Mississippi 12-2 119 After a loss to West Virginia just before Christmas, the Rebels got a couple of wins (Jacksonville State, UCF) under their belt before beginning SEC play at home Saturday against in-state rival Mississippi State. Ole Miss will want to get off to a good start in league play, with four of its first six SEC games on the road.
14 Gonzaga 11-3 97 The Zags avoided a crushing loss to Illinois in Chicago last week -- blowing a 21-point lead before prevailing in OT -- to head into WCC play with some positive momentum. They'll begin WCC play with three straight road games, beginning with their main competition in the league, Portland and Saint Mary's.
15 Wisconsin 12-3 94 Purdue? Michigan State? If you're on the fence as to who the Big Ten favorite is, the Badgers will be able to offer you some insight after this weekend. Fresh off a loss at Michigan State, they host the Boilermakers on Saturday.
16 Georgetown 11-2 90 Georgetown suffered its second loss of the season -- and first league loss -- at Marquette on Wednesday night. As is common in the Big East, there's no time for the Hoyas to feel sorry for themselves. Up next: home games against UConn and Seton Hall, followed by visits to Villanova and Pitt.
17 Florida State 13-2 80 The Seminoles took a hiatus from ACC play after their league-opening win over Georgia Tech on Dec. 20 with a trifecta of cupcakes. They return to the ACC grind Sunday with a visit to Maryland.
18 Tennessee 11-2 75 With four players out due to suspension, Tennessee needed players to step up to fill the void. The Vols got enough increased production from role players to beat Charlotte. Whether that will be enough to keep pace with Kansas -- their opponent Sunday -- remains to be seen.
19 Brigham Young 15-1 74 Perhaps the hottest team in the country, BYU improved its winning streak to 10 games after slipping past league rival UNLV on Wednesday. The Cougars hit the road Saturday with a visit to UTEP before returning to MWC play with a visit to Air Force.
20 Pittsburgh 13-2 72 Pitt's own players probably couldn't recognize themselves when comparing tape of their loss earlier in the season to Indiana with that of their recent road wins against Syracuse and Cincinnati to open Big East play.
21 New Mexico 14-2 55 The top four in the Mountain West is outstanding, so there's no shame in losing at San Diego State. This team still boasts wins over Cal, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Dayton. The Runnin' Rebels of UNLV come to the Pit this weekend.
22 Northern Iowa 13-1 23 Don't act so surprised. Just because the Panthers haven't cracked the national polls doesn't mean they don't deserve to. Led by a balanced scoring effort, UNI has won 12 straight and is off to a 4-0 start in the improved Valley.
23 Temple 12-3 19 Yes, Temple got a lot of hype and fell flat on its face against Kansas last weekend. But a lot of teams will do that against the Jayhawks. The body of work is still strong, and that nondescript win over Virginia Tech in November is looking better by the day.
23 Baylor 12-1 19 Talk about an under-the-radar 12-1 start. After his team lost in Waco this week, Morgan State coach Todd Bozeman said he didn't understand how the Bears weren't in the Top 25. Well, they are here, Coach. How about Ekpe Udoh's past four games: 68 rebounds and 29 blocks? That's insane.
25 Texas Tech 12-2 18 It's hard to get a read on the Red Raiders, so this No. 25 ranking feels about right. Tech lost at two really tough places to play (Wichita St. and New Mexico) and has some decent home wins over Washington, Stanford and UTEP. The trip to Stillwater this weekend is an important one.

[DJH]

Standings as of 1/7/09

Northern Iowa 3-0 - 12-1
Wichita State 3-1 1 14-2
Illinois State 3-1 1 12-3
Southern Illinois 2-1 1 9-3
Missouri State 2-2 1 12-3
Indiana State 2-2 1 10-5
Bradley 2-2 2 7-7
Creighton 2-2 2 7-8
Evansville 0-4 3 6-8
Drake 0-4 3 5-11

Small error, but we are 13-1, not 12-1.

[clenz]

Standings as of 1/7/09

Northern Iowa 3-0 - 12-1
Wichita State 3-1 1 14-2
Illinois State 3-1 1 12-3
Southern Illinois 2-1 1 9-3
Missouri State 2-2 1 12-3
Indiana State 2-2 1 10-5
Bradley 2-2 2 7-7
Creighton 2-2 2 7-8
Evansville 0-4 3 6-8
Drake 0-4 3 5-11

Small error, but we are 13-1, not 12-1.

I just copied it from the valley website. Odd they had it wrong. Now that I'm looking at it, I don't think they have updated any of the records. I'll have to double check.

[clenz]

OK, so I got the records from ESPN this time, so I think these are correct


Northern Iowa 4-0 - 13-1
Wichita State 3-1 ½ 14-2
Illinois State 3-1 1 12-3
Missouri State 2-2 2 12-3
Southern Illinois 2-2 2 9-4
Indiana State 2-2 2 10-5
Bradley 2-2 1½ 7-7
Creighton 2-2 2 7-8
Evansville 0-4 3½ 6-8
Drake 0-4 3½ 5-11

[AppStateAlumQC]

Who do you guys think will win the regular season crown - UNI or Wichita State or another?

[DJH]

Who do you guys think will win the regular season crown - UNI or Wichita State or another?

UNI has defenitely looked the best so far. But these things are so fragile, and it could slip away at any time.

I'd say WSU has the best chance other than UNI at this point. They have a really talented and athletic team, and have a great home court. Illinois state has the best player in the league, but I don't think they have a good enough team to win the title.

It will be a really really tough conference year. A lot of good teams in the MVC again this year.

[OSBF]

Illinois state has the best player in the league, but I don't think they have a good enough team to win the title.

If you're talking about O, he isn't even the best player on OUR team this year. Just you wait till you get a look at Jackie Carmichael. More athletic than O and bigger. He doesn't have the outside game or ball handeling skills of O, but he's a beast and will get better.