Missouri State vs. Loyola-Chicago: Game preview, TV schedule, prediction

SOUTH BEND, IN - DECEMBER 13: Head coach Porter Moser of the Loyola (Il) Ramblers is seen during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on December 13, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Loyola-Chicago 81-61. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

The Missouri Valley has been wide open this season and Loyola-Chicago currently is on top. Will a dangerous Missouri State knock them down?

TV schedule: Saturday, February 3, 2:00 p.m. ET. CBSSN

Arena: Joseph J. Gentile Center in Chicago, Illinois

Last season, both Illinois State and Wichita State were a clear-cut above the rest of the Missouri Valley, only losing to one another. But with Illinois State in a recovery year and Wichita State now in the AAC, the league is wide open.

Unlike a year ago, there are no dominant teams, with the conference leader already having three losses. But there certainly is parity, with a number of teams good enough to secure the league’s automatic bid come MVC postseason tournament.

The favorite might be Loyola-Chicago 18-5 (8-3), who have a great win on their resume over Florida in the non-conference. They had won seven in a row at one point but recently lost at Bradley earlier in the week. The Ramblers pride themselves on defense, ranking eighth nationally at in scoring defense at 62.8 ppg. It’s a balanced attack on offense, with five players in double figures on average. Clayton Custer, who leads his team in scoring and assists, is a Player of the Year candidate in the conference.

The favorite for that award, however, might be Alize Johnson of Missouri State 15-9 (5-6), one of the best players in the country you haven’t heard of. He’s averaging 15.3 ppg and 11.5 rpg, good for sixth in the country. The issue for this Bears team is beyond their star senior, there are no other players averaging in double-digits. That’s caused Missouri State to lose a couple more league games than expected. It also doesn’t help that Ronnie Rousseau, who was expected to form a great one-two punch for the Bears this season, has had a tough go of it so far.

Next: In-depth look at Loyola-Chicago

These two teams faced off in the first conference game of the season. Missouri State won 64-59. Johnson for the Bears had 24 points and 11 boards while Custer for Loyola-Chicago didn’t play due to an injury. But he’ll be back for this one, helping extend Missouri State’s losing streak.

Prediction: Loyola-Chicago 70 – Missouri State 63