Today In The Valley (Jan. 25)
Wichita State (8-11; 2-6) vs. Evansville (12-6; 4-4)
2:00 p.m.
Koch Arena; Wichita, Kansas
Two teams headed in opposite directions will get together in Wichita today to mark the final game of the first half of conference play. Wichita is coming off back-to-back home wins against Creighton and Illinois State, while Evansville has lost 3 of their last 4 games (the only win a home victory against Indiana State).
For WSU, the changes in their play from 0-6 to 2-6 have been remarkable. Gregggggg Marshall couldn’t find a consistent starting 5; now, everyone’s playing like they deserve to start. Timely 3-point shooting helped them finish off the Redbirds on Wednesday, but it was their defense that paved the way to the win. Torre Murry is another one of the fabulous freshmen making their names known early in their Valley careers: since MVC play started he is pouring in 14.4 points per game, good for the third best conference-only production among all Valley players.
Leading that list, however, is UE senior Shy Ely. His 17.4 ppg in conference play mirrors the 17.3 points he averages for all games this year. He went off for 26 points and 9 rebounds against Creighton earlier this week, and he will be the focal point for Marshall’s defensive strategy. Stop Ely (or don’t, even), and you have a good chance at taking care of Evansville (especially at home). That’s due in large part to the shrinking offensive production of fellow Purple Ace senior Jason Holsinger.
Picks
Creighton Otter: Wichita State
Panon: Wichita State
Dance Cam Guy: Wichita State
~ Creighton Otter
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Missouri State (9-10; 2-6) vs. Northern Iowa (13-6; 7-1)
6:00 p.m.
JQH Arena; Springfield, Missouri
ESPNU
The Panthers take their 7-game win streak to Springfield to take on the Bears, who after starting 0-5 in Valley play are the winners of two of their last three. In their first meeting in Cedar Falls, the UNI shot 81.8% in the first half and cruised to a 78-64 win.
How are the Panthers winning games? Defense. During the streak they have limited opponents to just 38% shooting while allowing 57.4 points per game. On the other end of the court, meanwhile, UNI is shooting 51% (including 45% from beyond the arc). Yet to lose in 2009, Ben Jacobsen’s team seems to have made some kind of New Year’s resolution. They've also managed to win their first four games of 2009 on the road, and they’re eager to make it five.
Chris Cooks, reigning MVC player of the week, will lead the Bears into this contest. He had back-to-back 20-point games in the win against WSU (23) and the loss against Illinois State (20), and he poured in 18 in the win against Drake. His offensive production has been a blessing to this injury-laden team (who now appear to finally have everyone back).
Coach Cuonzo Martin's defense has been terrific at home. They held Drake to 44 points in their last win and Wichita to 55 in their first Valley win. This is their second straight home game before going on the road for two next week.
Picks
Creighton Otter: Missouri State
Panon: Missouri State
Dance Cam Guy: Northern Iowa
2:00 p.m.
Koch Arena; Wichita, Kansas
Two teams headed in opposite directions will get together in Wichita today to mark the final game of the first half of conference play. Wichita is coming off back-to-back home wins against Creighton and Illinois State, while Evansville has lost 3 of their last 4 games (the only win a home victory against Indiana State).
For WSU, the changes in their play from 0-6 to 2-6 have been remarkable. Gregggggg Marshall couldn’t find a consistent starting 5; now, everyone’s playing like they deserve to start. Timely 3-point shooting helped them finish off the Redbirds on Wednesday, but it was their defense that paved the way to the win. Torre Murry is another one of the fabulous freshmen making their names known early in their Valley careers: since MVC play started he is pouring in 14.4 points per game, good for the third best conference-only production among all Valley players.
Leading that list, however, is UE senior Shy Ely. His 17.4 ppg in conference play mirrors the 17.3 points he averages for all games this year. He went off for 26 points and 9 rebounds against Creighton earlier this week, and he will be the focal point for Marshall’s defensive strategy. Stop Ely (or don’t, even), and you have a good chance at taking care of Evansville (especially at home). That’s due in large part to the shrinking offensive production of fellow Purple Ace senior Jason Holsinger.
Picks
Creighton Otter: Wichita State
Panon: Wichita State
Dance Cam Guy: Wichita State
~ Creighton Otter
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Missouri State (9-10; 2-6) vs. Northern Iowa (13-6; 7-1)
6:00 p.m.
JQH Arena; Springfield, Missouri
ESPNU
The Panthers take their 7-game win streak to Springfield to take on the Bears, who after starting 0-5 in Valley play are the winners of two of their last three. In their first meeting in Cedar Falls, the UNI shot 81.8% in the first half and cruised to a 78-64 win.
How are the Panthers winning games? Defense. During the streak they have limited opponents to just 38% shooting while allowing 57.4 points per game. On the other end of the court, meanwhile, UNI is shooting 51% (including 45% from beyond the arc). Yet to lose in 2009, Ben Jacobsen’s team seems to have made some kind of New Year’s resolution. They've also managed to win their first four games of 2009 on the road, and they’re eager to make it five.
Chris Cooks, reigning MVC player of the week, will lead the Bears into this contest. He had back-to-back 20-point games in the win against WSU (23) and the loss against Illinois State (20), and he poured in 18 in the win against Drake. His offensive production has been a blessing to this injury-laden team (who now appear to finally have everyone back).
Coach Cuonzo Martin's defense has been terrific at home. They held Drake to 44 points in their last win and Wichita to 55 in their first Valley win. This is their second straight home game before going on the road for two next week.
Picks
Creighton Otter: Missouri State
Panon: Missouri State
Dance Cam Guy: Northern Iowa
posted by Creighton Otter at 11:07 AM
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