MVC Games Week 5 2023-24

[ValleyFAN]

Missouri State lost in OT at MTSU last night, but to be honest they had no business being in overtime at all with as poorly as they looked. Down 5 at half, as much as 14...as for much of the game it was about an 7-8 point deficit against a team that UIC beat by 30.

Something is wrong with the Bears as they have looked like a totally different and disconnected team the past two games following their solid 6-1 start. The team that looked inspired a week ago against UE is nowhere to be found.

[TylerDurden]

Also, Bradley is regressing to its Wardle line.

They don't seem to have much guard depth (or depth at all), they don't shoot FTs well and can't seem to defend either.

Crazy how they go from 6-0, to oooooh sh****t in a week and a half.

[siudawgs]

Missouri State lost in OT at MTSU last night, but to be honest they had no business being in overtime at all with as poorly as they looked. Down 5 at half, as much as 14...as for much of the game it was about an 7-8 point deficit against a team that UIC beat by 30.

Something is wrong with the Bears as they have looked like a totally different and disconnected team the past two games following their solid 6-1 start. The team that looked inspired a week ago against UE is nowhere to be found.

Looks like their bigs struggled yesterday. Is Benson coming off the bench now? I thought he was on a big upward trajectory after his play at the Paradise Jam.

[tribecalledquest]

Also, Bradley is regressing to its Wardle line.

They don't seem to have much guard depth (or depth at all), they don't shoot FTs well and can't seem to defend either.

Crazy how they go from 6-0, to oooooh sh****t in a week and a half.

The guard situation is a massive problem. It's a guards league and Bradley has four on the roster - one of which is a talented but wildly erratic freshman in Demarion Burch and the other is a transfer portal guy who hasn't shown much of anything in Emarion Elllis.

The rebounding and defensive struggles of late are concerning when your stated mantra is Compete. Defend. Rebound.

[ValleyFAN]

Missouri State lost in OT at MTSU last night, but to be honest they had no business being in overtime at all with as poorly as they looked. Down 5 at half, as much as 14...as for much of the game it was about an 7-8 point deficit against a team that UIC beat by 30.

Something is wrong with the Bears as they have looked like a totally different and disconnected team the past two games following their solid 6-1 start. The team that looked inspired a week ago against UE is nowhere to be found.

Looks like their bigs struggled yesterday. Is Benson coming off the bench now? I thought he was on a big upward trajectory after his play at the Paradise Jam.

If everyone is healthy, Ford seems to prefer starting a smaller lineup with Clay as the biggest dude. That leaves Benson and Edwards as bigs coming off the bench. Benson has been inconsistent with his scoring output and sometimes vanishes on the offensive end of the floor. You're always going to get good effort from him, but his offensive game does seem limited at times to lob plays and not much else. The Bears used the lob play to great effect early in the season but lately teams have taken that away, and it has hurt the offense. Last night the Bears play pickup/hero ball style offense again and boy was it painful to watch. Luckily they have good players that at least were able to keep things interesting.

[SalukiWorld]

It was a brutal ending with the officiating circus but a great win for Southern. Mullins has now taken down a power-6 opponent in each of the past four seasons, including back-to-back wins over Oklahoma State.

Mullins made a great move to put Xavier Johnson back in with two fouls and lots of time left in the first half, and I don't think they win if he had been more cautious about the foul situation. Johnson did well to avoid a third foul for an extended period.

On a related note, SIU's lack of depth at PG is a concern. Incarnate Word transfer Trey Miller has underwhelmed and his minutes have been cut. The other option, freshman Sheridan Sharp, is just now getting back from a foot injury, so we'll see if he gets a look or if they plan to redshirt him.

Mullins ability to change and adapt this season has been really impressive. I'm not sure two years ago he puts Johnson back in the game then. The offense is much better. Good for him for making changes.

They've been way more watchable this year than last year somehow even though Domask & Jones are killing it in the Big Ten. I still worry that it's a bit of a one man show but still have to give the staff for credit for the incredible improvement Xavier Johnson has made. He's currently 2nd in the nation in scoring which is wild.

[Birdfan2018]

Illinois State, Belmont, Drake, & Northern Iowa with Wins tonight.

[BCPanther]

2-0 against the A10 tonight.

This league is getting stuff done right now.

[VUGrad1314]

Closing in on that #8 spot in the NET perhaps... if only Valpo wasn't such a boat anchor. I'm so sorry guys. Seeing us lose to teams like Central Michigan just hurts my soul. I do think it will eventually get better under Powell but it's going to be another long year in Valpo. Keep kicking butt the rest of you! Nice wins by everyone else! And a big shout out to the Salukis for their big win over OSU last night! That was wonderful to see!

[MissouriValleyUnite]

That was a big night for the MVC, to follow up SIU’s big win last night.

A couple games Saturday are on tv.

Valpo/VT at 11am is on CW, which should air on WGN like ACC FB games in the fall.

Belmont/Middle Tennessee at 730pm is on CBSSN.