Busting Brackets
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Missouri Valley Basketball Power Rankings: Loyola-Chicago leads at start of conference play

By TJ Miller

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Clayton Custer
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Clayton Custer /
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EVANSVILLE, IN – FEBRUARY 16: Evansville Purple Aces fans cheer against the Wichita State Shockers during the first half of the game at Ford Center on February 16, 2014 in Evansville, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
EVANSVILLE, IN – FEBRUARY 16: Evansville Purple Aces fans cheer against the Wichita State Shockers during the first half of the game at Ford Center on February 16, 2014 in Evansville, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

9. Evansville (7-7, 1-0)

Evansville does hold a 6 point loss to Xavier early in the season as well as a win over Drake to open MVC play to its name. Even so,I’m not sure this roster has enough to keep from finishing near the bottom of the league.

Evansville has struggled to get consistent offensive production, ranking just 256th adjusted offense. One bright spot has been KJ Riley. The junior leads the league in both free throws made/attempted and has led the team in scoring with 14.7 ppg. He certainly was able to come up big with 25 points in the Bulldogs first MVC win over Drake. Seniors Shea Feehan and Marty Hill have provided some decent shooting as they’ve combined for 52/116 (44.8%) three point shooting.

To compete in the Valley, first year Coach Walter McCarty will need his team to continue playing solid on the defensive side. The Aces have actually been the MVC’s 2nd best in terms of metrics here. More reason for optimistic could come with Evansville collecting a 7-1 home record to this point. On the flip side, this team hasn’t won a single game away from home which may be a troubling omen.

Coach McCarty didn’t inherit a crazy amount of talent but the Aces have shown enough flashes to finish just above the basement of the Missouri Valley.