MVC Games Week 3 2023-24

[tribecalledquest]

If Bradley is indeed the third best team in the league as the preseason poll suggests then this is the best the league has been in some time.

[SalukiWorld]

Even with UNI and Drake sort of stumbling out of the gate, the MVC is 11th in KenPom's conference rankings at +1.33.

For reference:
2023: 16th at -1.86
2022: 11th at +3.98
2021: 10th at +2.99
2020: 11th at +2.46
2019: 15th at -1.01
2018: 9th at +3.96

[Kyle_Saluki_17]

Even with UNI and Drake sort of stumbling out of the gate, the MVC is 11th in KenPom's conference rankings at +1.33.

For reference:
2023: 16th at -1.86
2022: 11th at +3.98
2021: 10th at +2.99
2020: 11th at +2.46
2019: 15th at -1.01
2018: 9th at +3.96

KenPom is largely based on predictions rather than real results this early. For example, 1-3 Maryland is rated 56 although they’ve clearly not been the 56th best team so far. That’s why I like when NET comes out in early December. Nothing predictive included in it.

[Majik45]

When the opponent goes 14-23 from 3, you're gonna get your ass kicked 99% of the time.

I didn't see that stat. Yikes. Were they getting that many open looks, or where they just that hot?

[TylerDurden]

Had a chance to watch Bradley/Tulane last night. The Braves don't look pretty, but they're winning close games against decent teams. Whatever the aesthetic, Bradley now has wins over the AAC's preseason Nos. 3 & 4 teams Tulane and UAB, along with a victory over Utah State, which is likely down a bit this year and was picked No. 9 in the MWC preseason poll.

They'll get an unbeaten UTEP, which beat a pretty average-to-bad Cal team, in the SoCal Challenge final.

Missouri State did what it needed to win the Paradise Jam, with a good win over MAC contender, Kent State. The December schedule (Drake, MTSU, Tulsa, St. Mary's) will tell us much more about the Bears, but I like what they've done so far.

Southern Illinois will have a chance to show us all what they're made of in Cancun, with No. 22 JMU waiting in game one. They also have SLU, Oklahoma State and Wichita State coming up.

[Majik45]

Bradley hangs on to win late last night 80 to 77 over previously undefeated Tulane (game started at 9:30 Central time). All 5 Bradley starters were in Double figures, with Leons leading the way with 18 points, 3 boards, 4 steals, and a block. Darius Hannah added 14 points and 6 rebounds on 6 of 7 shooting.

Bradley moves on to face undefeated UTEP in the tournament final as UTEP used a buzzer beating 3 to knock of Cal 75-72 in the other semi-final game. This game will actually be a re-match of the 2021-22 Sun Bowl Invitational Title game that Bradley won nearly 2 years ago.

[BEARZ77]

Bears like many teams, still trying to solidify our rotation as we've had to play w/o both candidates for the 4th guard spot with both Hill and Kramer unavailable so far. And just as we get Chance Moore back on the wing, freshman Tyler Bey is now out .That said, some nice things emerging for the Bears . They have a pair of explosive perimeter scorers in Mason and Moore, a do everything All MVC guy in Clay, a shut down defender in Mayo, and a legit impact pg in Lee. But those were all expected ; the biggest concern was in the middle and they brought in 6'9 Xavier transfer Cesarre Edwards to help . He's been starting and sharing the spot with sophomore 6'8 NJ Bensen , but it's the emergence of Bensen that is really exciting Bear's fans. To date coming off the bench for about 20 mpg he's averaging 8 ppg, 7 rbs, and 2 blks, shooting 78% fg and providing a Bears a rebounding/shot blocking physical presence . Last night vs Abilene Christian he was totally dominant going for 17 pts, 16 rbs, 3 blks and 2 stls. Especially when the couple aforementioned players return from injury, this is a very deep and versatile Bears team that appears more connected on the floor than recent editions.

[Sir Sci]

Missouri State wins the Paradise Jam. This looks like it may be Ford’s best team yet…certainly his deepest.

What I find encouraging is not just the depth, but that the team actually has looked like... a team. They locked it down on defense when needed and got into a rhythm on offense. A hallmark of Ford teams thus far have been talented players (sometimes very talented players) who just don't look like they have any interest in playing with each other. At least in the US Virgin Islands there seems to be a chemistry that's been missing since Cuonzo was on the sidelines.

[Drakey]

If Bradley is indeed the third best team in the league as the preseason poll suggests then this is the best the league has been in some time.

Unfortunately that is not the case. Bradley appears to be miles ahead of everybody else, with the possible exception of Missouri State. Everybody else does look to be middle of the pack though with the exception of Valpo.

[FunchessonPopcorn]

If Bradley is indeed the third best team in the league as the preseason poll suggests then this is the best the league has been in some time.

Unfortunately that is not the case. Bradley appears to be miles ahead of everybody else, with the possible exception of Missouri State. Everybody else does look to be middle of the pack though with the exception of Valpo.

Looks like you are beating Akron like a drum, so that’s a good response to a tough result. What’s going on with Ethan Roberts? He looked to be a good transfer recruit profile to get but see he hasn’t played yet. Is he hurt?