MVC coaches are already playing the “no respect” card. Illinois State would not have been a bad choice for an NCAA spot last season. The Redbirds killed their chances by not winning any notable non-conference games and going 0-3 against Drake.
Tuesday’s big news was the MVC-MWC Challenge. Good move for the MVC. I am waiting on TV deals before rendering a final verdict. Everybody wrote about it: Omaha, Bloomington-Normal, Carbondale,Terre Haute and Peoria. Even Las Vegas.
Creighton, to no surprise, is the favorite. Coach Dana Altman knows 14 of the past 24 favorites did not win the title.
Indiana State players think the Sycamores are more athletic this season and capable of contending. Voters picked the Sycamores seventh.
Bryan Mullins is the main reason voters picked Southern Illinois second.
Injury problems hit Illinois State again. Guard Alex Rubin is out six-to-eight weeks.
The women’s tournament gets at least two more seasons in St. Louis.