Lots of big games today in the MVC, after both Loyola and Missouri State won yesterday.

First up, Northern Iowa knocked off VCU (8-2, RPI 30 before the game) by the score of 77-68.

In just minutes (1 pm Central), #12 Wichita State takes on Tennessee on ESPN 2.

At 2 pm Central, Indiana State is at UMKC, and Evansville plays at Jackson State.

And at 7 pm, New Mexico State (RPI 87) plays at Drake.

Headed in to today's action, the MVC was ranked as the #11 conference in the RPI. A sweep today could boost the MVC back into the top 10.

I believe we went 5-2 for Friday and Sat-----Not too shabby.

You know what ? I would dearly love to see the Shockers obliterate the Butlers !! I do believe they can and would--SHEESH , that would be great.

We're winning a National Championship this year

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The Roundhouse

Sub !! Lookin' good so far !! And in a way, that would make two of us--although one would be a ton timelier !!!

I'm glad to see some more positive reviews of the Ramblers over here. Hopefully things are coming together and you have a respectable showing come conference play in a couple of weeks.

As far as the Shox, I was worried yesterday when I woke up to see tweets and our message board buzzing about Ron Baker's ankle. Can't believe the kid played 32 minutes on that thing. But he's a tough SOB. I don't know how long our winning streak will last, but I'm going to enjoy the crap out of it. I truly believe that we can play with anyone in the country, so you never know where we'll end up in March/April. But until it's over, I believe we can compete for another Final Four run.

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The Roundhouse

Well, the MVC went 3-2 on Saturday. Wichita State looked really powerful as they pulled away from Tennesssee late to go 10-0. UNI, which had been struggling of late (a loss at UWM, followed by an OT collapse to Iowa State on a neutral court, and a squeaker home court win over weakling Savannah State) had a huge upset over VCU and showed the potential a lot of people thought they had at the beginning of the season. Indiana State trailed at UMKC, but pulled away strongly in the middle of the 2nd half to get an 11-point win that puts them at 7-2 (with their only two losses by one point at Belmont and by one point against Tulsa).

Drake lost to a good New Mexico State team at home by 12. They should probably win their three remaining non-con games: at home vs. Western Michigan and Albany, then a roadie at IUPUI. That would put them at 9-3 in non-con.

The other loss was a stunner. Evansville, which looked great to start the season going 5-0, lost to Jackson State at home 57-51. The loss was pretty ugly, as the Aces only shot 1 for 12 from behind the arc, missed 8 second half free throws, and the Jackson State center got 22 rebounds himself compared to E'ville's total 27 rebounds for the game. Now the Aces have lost 5 of their last 6 games after their great start.

As for the Ramblers, we dug ourselves a hole early in the season with the three enormous 2nd half collapses to Tennessee Tech, Tulane, and Portland State. We lost two OT games that we should have won against UC Davis and Mississippi State. Although we've had some ugly stretches in the past few games, we've shown a lot more confidence, and our new personnel are starting to find their roles. If we can take care of business against Northern Illinois on Wednesday and snatch a road victory against Fordham, we could end the non-con at 7-5 and be well-rested for the start of MVC play Jan. 1.