Missouri Valley Basketball: Saturday’s split and Sunday’s preview, including Drake in finals

Johnny Kinziger’s game-winning-free-throws led Illinois State to Paradise Jam victory and a split for Missouri Valley Conference teams during Saturday’s MTE action. Kinziger’s 21 points led all scorers as the Redbirds (4-2) defeated UAB 84-83. 

Illinois State is turning last year’s weakness into a strength. After making just 29 percent of their long distance shots last season, the Redbirds were making 39 percent of their three-point attempts coming into Saturday’s game. 

During the one-point victory, Illinois State made 11 of 27 shots from distance (.407).

Kinziger was joined by Chase Walker (16 points), Landon Wolf (10) and Dalton Banks (10) as double-figure scorers. 

Efren Johnson led UAB with 18 points. 

The Redbirds have Sunday off and play George Washington in Monday’s fifth place game. 

Illinois Chicago (4-3) finished with a Boardwalk Battle record of 1-2. Saturday the Flames dropped a 72-55 decision to East Carolina. After leading by three points at the half, East Carolina pulled away with a 42-28 second half explosion. 

C.J. Walker and R.J. Felton each scored 21 points for the 6-1 Pirates. UIC made just 25 percent of its long distance shots and just two players reached double figures on the score sheet. Ahmad Henderson and Sasa Ciani each scored ten points. 

Valley teams have won five of eight MTE games. 

Championship Opportunities

Two 5-1 teams collide in the Cayman Islands Classic championship game. The Valley’s Bradley University reached the final by defeating Texas State and Wright State. Middle Tennessee overcame Ohio and South Florida. 

Game time on ESPN is set for 4 pm.

Bradley has climbed to 94 in the KenPom ratings and Middle Tennessee sits at 147. This will be the Blue Raiders’ third game with an MVC team. MTSU defeated Evansville and lost to Murray State. 

Both teams shut down the opposition’s ability to hit threes and dominate the glass. They mirror each other well. Bradley is sixth nationally in effective field goal percentage (.614). 

Each team boasts of of five players that average over nine points per game. Middle Tennessee’s Jestin Porter (18.2 ppg) is by far the leading scorer for either team, Bradley’s offense is led by Duke Deen. The Valley’s preseason player of the year leads the Braves in three-point baskets, assists and averages 12.7 points per game. While other Braves outscore Deen he is their floor leader. 

Drake plays its second ‘power conference’ team in three games at the Myrtle Beach Invitational. The Bulldogs face Vanderbilt in a show down of undefeated teams. Drake defeated Miami and Florida Atlantic on the way to this championship game. 

Vandy defeated Nevada and Seton Hall. 

Bennett Stirtz (18.8 ppg), Daniel Abreu (15.2) and Mitch Mascari (13.8) lead the Bulldog offense. Four Commodores average more than eleven points-per-game, led by Jason Edwards (16.0).

The championship game tips at 7:30 pm on ESPN. 

Vanderbilt averages nearly 86 points per game, but the Bulldogs have held their last two opponents, who averaged over 90 points-per contest to under 70. This game hinges on Drake’s ability to continue to play elite level defense.