More March March: The MVC

With all apologies to Brother Lee, an alum of Illinois State, we post the next story...

Ali Farokhmanesh scored eight of Northern Iowa's 12 points in overtime, helping the top seed overcome a big finish from Osiris Eldridge in a 60-57 victory over Illinois State in the Missouri Valley Conference championship game Sunday.

Kwadzo Ahelegbe had 17 points and hit two free throws with 16 seconds left in OT for Northern Iowa (23-10), which earned the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Panthers,who tied for the regular-season title, matched a school record for victories while earning their first NCAA bid since 2004.

((Jordan Eglseder pictured, thanks Tom Gannum/AP))

Eldridge had 21 points and hit five 3-pointers after a scoreless first half, but he missed a long 3-point attempt at the end of regulation and another at the end of overtime.Northern Iowa was 3-0 against Illinois State (24-9) this season,with another victory in double-overtime and all three decided by a total of nine points.

We sincerely hope Lee's better half, Karen, is only giving him plastic ware to eat with and an electric razor to shave when he heads to work.

Your really, professional looking wrap-up with Bob Wenzel is below...

Hey, any time you can get Dick Enberg to help out- it's a plus...

((HT: CBS Sports))

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College Basketball: Missouri Valley Conference Predictions

Yes I know, we are in the middle of college football season but it’s time to start to look toward college hoops. Our college football predictions proved to be popular (and many of you are viewing them to this day) let’s forecast college basketball. We begin with the Mid-Majors and the Missouri Valley Conference.

Best Team In The MVC: Creighton Blue Jays
Though the Blue Jays are very young they are very good. Creighton returns the Valley’s reigning Newcomer & Freshman of the Year in P’Allen Stinnett and the reigning 6th man of the year in Booker Woodfox. Creighton has the best depth in the Valley and should win their first title since 2002.

Best Player In The MVC: Osiris Eldridge – Illinois State
Eldridge has size and skill, probably the best of that combo in the MVC. He led the league is scoring last year (17.1) and elevating his team to the most conference wins in 10 years and a post season berth (NIT)

Team That Could Surprise: Bradley: The Braves got valuable extra practice time playing in the College Basketball Invitational (remember that). Bradley lost their starting backcourt from last year but the extra practice time may pay dividends. If so the Braves might sneak in the post season picture.

Who Goes Dancing: Creighton & Southern Illinois

Who Plays For Number 66: Illinois State & Drake

Missouri Valley Views: Bradley finished 2nd in the first College Basketball Invitational. I’m sure that banner will have a prime spot in the rafters. As a proud graduate of Missouri State University it hurts to see the Bears at the cellar of the MVC. Cuonzo Martin has a rebuilding job in Springfield but with a brand new facility, the 11,000 seat JQH Arena, and a tremendous fan base, the Bears won’t be down long. I for one will miss the old Hammons Student Center.

Missouri Valley Conference Pre-Season Prediction:

1. Creighton
2. Southern Illinois
3. Illinois State
4. Drake
5. Bradley
6. Northern Iowa
7. Indiana State
8. Evansville
9. Wichita State
10. Missouri State

Photo Courtesy: Illinois State University/goredbirds.com