Sold Out and National Television

(Palm Springs, CA) – The Wild Wild Missouri Valley Conference race takes a place on the national scene. Illinois State visits Loyola at a Gentile Arena that is sold out and national television coverage. With only one undefeated team and one winless team this is anybody’s race to win.

Preseason Favorites Clash

Defending champion and preseason favorite Loyola hosts the preseason number two team Illinois State. Both teams are 2-and-1 and trailing undefeated Valparaiso. As one of three sold out games (so far) on the Loyola home schedule, the environment will be electric.

There are six players on the league’s preseason all conference teams playing in this one. The winner will be no worse than one game out of first place, while the loser has a mountain to climb. Loyola (9-7) brings the best defensive unit into the showdown with the athletic and talented Redbirds.

The Ramblers are allowing a league best 60.9 points per game and have the top rebounding margin (1.9) in the Valley. The Redbirds (9-7) counter with two of the league’s top five scorers in Milik Yarbrough (16.7 ppg) and Phil Fayne (15.8).

LUC defeated Illinois State three times last season (including a game at Arch Madness). This game contains the added spice of Loyola transfer Matt Chastain returning to Gentile Arena with the Redbirds.

Tip time on ESPN2 is set for 1:00 pm.

Putting the Lead on the Line

Valparaiso (10-6, 3-0) takes their undefeated record on the road to Southern Illinois. This is the first test for Matt Lottich’s team since taking over sole possession of the league lead. They are a six-point under dogs while visiting the Salukis (9-7, 2-1).

Both teams have been hit by the injury bug. Valpo leading scorer Ryan Fazekas is ‘day-to-day’ with an ankle sprain and the Salukis are awaiting the return of shot-blocking center Thik Bol. SIU leading scorer Armon Fletcher returned from suspension in Tuesday’s loss, scoring 21 points.

This one tips on ESPN3 at 3:00 pm

Surprising Evansville

The surprising Purple Aces host Indiana State. UE (8-8, 2-1) defeated Drake in two overtimes, lost at Illinois State and then drilled Loyola. Marty Hill (17 ppg) and K.J. Riley (15.3 ppg) have been outstanding in league play. Coach Walter McCarty’s team hosts an Indiana State (9-6, 1-2) team that is looking for star Jordan Barnes to break out of his recent scoring slump.

This State of Indiana rivalry game tips at 1:00 pm on ESPN3.

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