Despite the fact that the Missouri Valley Conference could have four 20-win teams and only 2 teams that have sub .500 records, only one of those teams is a lock for the NCAA Tournament. The Northern Iowa Panthers. They boast an impressive 25-4 overall record and are on their way to the Dance. It’s very possible that this can be a 2-bid Conference. Wichita State is the 2-seed and has beaten Northern Iowa this year, but they’ve really struggled on the road the last 2 months losing at Creighton, Drake, Utah State, Bradley, and bottom-feeder Evansville. They will get Evansville or local favorite Missouri State in the Quarterfinals. Illinois State is one of the hottest teams in the league winning 6 in a row before losing their final game at Northern Iowa 61-55. I predict them to face the Panthers and win the Missouri Valley automatic bid and pop a potential big school’s bubble.
Quarterfinals
Drake vs. Northern Iowa
Bradley vs.Creighton
Missouri State vs. Wichita State
Indiana State vs. Illinois State
Semifinals
Bradley vs. Northern Iowa
Wichita State vs. Illinois State
Final
Illinois State vs. Northern Iowa
Champion: Illinois State
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Final Regular Season Standings
|
Northern Iowa |
15-3 |
25-4 |
|
Wichita State |
12-6 |
23-8 |
|
Illinois State |
11-7 |
21-9 |
|
Creighton |
10-8 |
16-14 |
|
Indiana State |
9-9 |
17-13 |
|
Bradley |
9-9 |
15-14 |
|
Missouri State |
8-10 |
19-11 |
|
Drake |
7-11 |
13-18 |
|
Southern Illinois |
6-12 |
15-14 |
|
Evansville |
3-15 |
9-20 |
