Speculation has run rampant lately about the Missouri Valley Conference and the amount of bids they will get in the NCAA Tourney. At this point, I'd say they're guaranteed 3, and could get as many as 5.However, a lackluster showing at the BracketBusters probably didn't help. For example:
Wichita St. lost at home to George Mason.
Southern Illinois lost at home to Louisiana Tech.
It took Northern Iowa 2 OT at home to beat Bucknell.
Now, in the defense of the MVC, George Mason, Louisiana Tech, and Bucknell are very solid teams that all have a good chance to make the tourney, especially GM and Bucknell. However, the top teams struggling at home is not exactly what the MVC was looking for.
Another thing that will hurt is Southern Illinois losing tonight to Evansville, who is last in the MVC. Not a good sign for a team looking for a tourney bid.
However, things still look good for 5 bids, at least according to ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi. He explains it better than I can, so read that article if you get a chance.
For the record, here's the RPI's of the top 5 teams in the MVC:
Northern Iowa - 22
Wichita St. - 24
Missouri St. - 26
Creighton - 30
Southern Illinois - 36
My guess? I've got the MVC for 4 bids and at least 1 or 2 wins in the tournament among them. My money is on Northern Iowa, Wichita St., Missouri St., and Creighton getting a bid. We'll find out in 3 weeks.
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