Regular Season Title: Wichita State @ Missouri State 2/26/11

[BirdmanBB]

I agree. Everyone talked about BU being that "team you didn't want to see," but I think that team is Drake. We didn't want any part of them on Thursday and I think we lucked out by getting the salukis. Drake fans might be able to make an argument that they are playing way below their talent level because of coaching.

That might have been true earlier this season, but now. The Bulldogs have won 5 of the last 7, with the 2 losses being close games at 3rd-place Indiana State and at 1st-place Missouri State. 'dogs are playing well right now.

I guess it's good to know you are playing your best basketball right now for the tourney, but it's also gotta burn knowing you are playing your best basketball and the odds of a team coming out of Thursday and winning it all. I think what you mention above reflects my thought on Drake being the team that no one should want to play.

[pawball]

Figure Bears to be 2.5 pt fav or so. Should be a game that goes down to the wire, or close to it. Achilles heel for both teams is playing stoopid ball.....attempting to do more than they can on breaks and semi-breaks or trying to make something happen by forcing passes where no pass should try to go. This one probably will go to the team that demonstrates the best discipline. But, all it takes is one hot, hot shooter or player to turn the key in the other direction.

[ShockJones]

I'm sure Weems will go off for about 25 and hit a bunch of contested 3's. He likes playing against WSU.

[Kip Dynamite]

This game is sold out and then some! They are having a huge tailgate party with live music beginning at 8:00 am Saturday. Better get there early because parking's going to be a bitch.

http://www.kspr.com/sports/ky3-missouri ... 1894.story

[TNMSUFAN]

I'm sure Weems will go off for about 25 and hit a bunch of contested 3's. He likes playing against WSU.

Hope so...

Bears need to be smart with the ball and take good shots plus keep the Shocks off the offensive glass...easier said than done but those are the keys for us. Should be a good one!

[oneNEIGHBOR]

leaving for the game in an hour, should be fun. High stakes basketball!!!

[Bear4Life]

This is going to be an awesome event - can't wait to head down to Springfield here in a few hours!

Missouri State and Wichita State have really developed a great rivalry with each other. I think this is the type of game that could take the rivalry to another level, and cement it as one of the best in the league! Add in the possibility that the 2 could meet in STL for the tourney title and it just builds more. I know BU-ILS have the best rivalry in the league and I would say CU-SIU had a great one, and to some extent still do, but this one is on it's way. I used to really be big on a rivalry with SIU, and I still consider them a big rival, but WSU has become #1 and that is not just because of this year, this has been going for several years now and even in baseball too!

[Jamar Howard 4 Pres]

WSU has obviously struggled at home recently. It has seemed like they have let a lot of teams hang around, and then WSU has started getting nervous as the pressure mounts. I think WSU expected to win each and every one of those home games fairly easily and had a difficult time once the possibility of a loss became reality. Add in some disappointed sighs from the crowd after each missed basket, and you have a lot of pressure. WSU hasn't handled that type of pressure well this year.

Now switch the location. WSU is on the road, where they have been dominant. They have looked much more relaxed, and have finished very strong nearly each and every time. Unlike at home, they have handled pressure very well. Why this is the case, I don't know.

MSU is at home in this one. This is probably the biggest game in the program's recent history. How will they handle the pressure?

If WSU keeps it close until mid-way through the 2nd half, I say WSU suddenly becomes a 3:1 favorite to win the game. I think suddenly the pressure will mount on MSU while WSU will face a "been there, done that" situation. MSU better have a 5+ point lead at the 10 minute mark of the 2nd half or I think WSU wins this one.

[iSASO]

WSU - 66
MSU - 65

Coach Marshall has stated that WSU will not cut down the nets if they win.

[Jays26]

WSU - 66
MSU - 65

Coach Marshall has stated that WSU will not cut down the nets if they win.

Won't be a problem....they won't win.