Illinois State Preview and Game Thread -- 2-2-2022

[JArsy_22]

There was also an awesome moment of leadership last night which was very cool to watch. After TY missed the wide open fast break layup, Coach V motioned him over during ISU free throws and both Braden and Lucas came up off their seats on the bench to encourage him as well. Just thought that it was an awesome display of upperclassman leadership

[goramblers2011]

The "Big Four" in the MVC all won last night and is clearly separating itself from the rest of the pack, two games clear of Bradley in 5th.

We are 0-2 against the three others in the Big Four. The game this Sunday is so critical for many reasons--our at-large chances, our conference championship chances and, frankly, our confidence. Getting revenge against Missouri State would do a lot for this team.

I will say, last night's results from the other top teams are mildly concerning:

-Drake won by 18 @Indiana St. [we won by 8 @Indiana State]
-UNI won by 13 vs Bradley in a game that was never really close [we needed a big comeback and OT to beat Bradley at home]
-Missouri State won by 15 @SIU, scoring 69 points [we won by 5, scoring 44]

I know it's a super small sample size and performances fluctuate, but Drake, UNI and Missouri State can play at a really high-level. We need to show that we can match it. Starting this Sunday.

[natetheskate]

Dansen,,nice call on your pick to click....nice to see Schweigert and to some extent Tate Hall get the car back on the road.

[Chiguy14]

goramblers2011, I was thinking the exact same thing. Although we don't have any bad conference losses, we don't have any good conference wins. I think if we can beat MO state on Sunday, we'll be redeemed for our loss against them.

[natetheskate]

MSU has 3 games left against the top 4 .(7 total)....LU at home, Drake on the road, and UNI on the road. 4 of last 7 at home

Drake has 3 games left against top 4 , at home against UNI, MSU and away at LU (total of 8 games left) 5 of last 8 at home.

UNI has 4 games against top 4 home and away against LU . at Drake and away against MSU Total of 7 games. 4 at home

Loyola has 8 games left...5 on the road....Drake and UNI at home Last game of the year at UNI (senior night and student pizza and shirt night) ....MSU and UNI on the road.....

Seems to me we have the hardest road ahead....Bradley on the road will be tough as well......We really need to be at our best from here on out. How will the Standings look at the end of the month?