MVC Basketball: Conference tournament preview and predictions

By Doug Winkey | Mar 1, 2016

Mar 8, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Northern Iowa Panthers head coach Ben Jacobson reacts in the game between the Illinois State Redbirds and the Northern Iowa Panthers during second half in the championship game of the Missouri Valley Conference basketball tournament at Scotttrade Center. Northern Iowa Panthers won 60-69. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 18, 2016; Wichita, KS, USA; Missouri State Bears forward Camyn Boone (30) blocks out Wichita State Shockers forward Shaquille Morris (24) at Charles Koch Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary Rohman/MLS/USA TODAY Sports /

8: Missouri State Bears

The Bears managed to finish seventh in the MVC at 8-10 and open against the aforementioned Bulldogs. Missouri State is only marginally better than Drake, ranking 238th in KenPom, 272nd in adjusted offense, 200th in adjusted d, and 236th in RPI.

Like Drake, the team also features three double figure scorers with Dequon Miller, Chris Hendrix, and Camyn Boone. The team shoots much worse than Drake, but still get the edge in their matchup due to better rebounding numbers.

Assuming the Bears can prevent Drake from heating up, their slightly better numbers on defense and the boards will keep them from dropping their opening game. Camyn Boone (pictured) will need to be the workhorse as the squad’s best rebounder and shooter.

Next: 7: Loyola Chicago Ramblers