MVCfans.com

Ramblers injuries catching up after finals week. Down to 8 scholarship athletes healthy with Richardson Custer negron and shanks all out with a variety of injuries. Getting hammered early against milwaukee. Eugh.

Bradley wins on the road in an expected drubbing of Chicago State, 84-58.

Redbirds beat Ole Miss on the road in OT 101-97

Three starters fouled out in regulation. Played 5 guards out of necessity for the win. This team could be very tough once full strength!

Awesome win Redbirds!!!

Won't here me say this often. But nice job Redbirds.

Aces beat Austin Peay in overtime. With their two best players hurt, and finals week just over, they were hardly dominate, but did what they had to do to win.

I think that after today the MVC has pretty well clinched being a one bid league this season. And if we're being completely honest with ourselves we have been a one bid league for several years now. The only reason we weren't a one bid league most years is because Wichita State was so dominant and always seemed to lose in St Louis.

I think after Milwaukee's win today they definitely have to be the lead contender for that so called 12th spot. Murray State did well again today. Honestly if any school is going to "replace" Wichita it will probably be Murray State. They've had a lot of really good seasons down there and have been discussed a couple of times for an at large bid from the OVC.

I'm an XDSU guy, but I am fine with Milwaukee if it brings Murray State to the league. UWM spends $2.87M per year on BB which would put them near the top of the MVC. I'm not huge on UWM but they are very geographically friendly and seem like the best 12th option of anyone out there.

Excited for the MVC conference season to start though. I think it is probably Northern Iowa's to lose, but we'll see. I think everyone at least has a shot at the title this year and St Louis could be even more wild.

Went to Loyola/Milwaukee game. I must be a bastion for terrible luck since my presence is a lightning rod for MVC teams getting killed this season.

Loyola brought about 300 striped scarves -- nice showing. MECCA was super easy to get to and park (first row across a clear 4 lane street). UWM markets very well - wide variety of food stands, unique venue, bobbleheads, Star Wars. My preference is still Northern Kentucky, but I feel a lot more comfortable with Milwaukee now having attended a game, and them sporting a top 100 RPI in Baldwin's first year with Brock Stull and others returning.

Redbirds now 10-2 in their last 12 SEC games. That win was all heart losing 3 starters to fouls in regulation. Remember that discussion about Tier 1 games? Maybe Illinois State is that team.

After Ramblers' loss today, it's clear the only MVC team with at-large hopes is Northern Iowa. RPI forecast scenario simulator still seems to like the Panthers despite today's loss.

SIU beats 8-1 Lamar (RPI 84) 71-61--Lamar was averaging 81 a game