Missouri Valley Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview
By Joey Loose
Quarterfinals
1) Loyola-Chicago vs 8) Bradley
Two years ago, Bradley upset Loyola before winning the MVC Tournament, and while Valparaiso did their dirty work against the Ramblers last season, there’s certainly precedent for the Ramblers to be wary. Loyola has played much closer games in each of their last four outings this season. However, with those key players out, Bradley is not the same animal they once were, and the Ramblers should handle them.
Prediction: Loyola-Chicago 63, Bradley 52
4) Indiana State vs 5) Evansville
This may be a 4 v 5 matchup, but it feels way more uneven than it ever has. The Sycamores finished a whole 4 games ahead of the Purple Aces in the conference standings and swept them just two weeks ago. Tyreke Key put on a clinic, even though Evansville’s offense was pretty potent in the two games as well. I’d expect a better defensive effort from the Sycamores.
Prediction: Indiana State 64, Evansville 58
2) Drake vs 7) Northern Iowa
Last season, top-seeded Northern Iowa was upset in the quarterfinals by 8-seed Drake and now the roles are reversed. Considering what Drake has lost due to injury (ironic news to a Northern Iowa fan this season), and this game becomes much closer than it seems. However, the Bulldogs still took care of the Panthers twice in February. Northern Iowa was certainly playing better ball down the stretch; can they pull off the huge upset?
Prediction: Drake 73, Northern Iowa 71
3) Missouri State vs 6) Valparaiso
It’s hard to know just what to expect from this game. These two teams played their conference games way back in early January, with the Bears winning by double digits on the road twice. Since then, they were decimated by both Drake and Loyola at home while Valparaiso gave both top dogs a run for their money at the end of the season. Missouri State has the playmakers to win this tournament and I think they’re a bit too much for this Valparaiso team.