MVC Tournament Preview and Predictions

 MVC Tournament Preview and Predictions

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Bradley

Throughout the year, the MVC conference has had the most parity between teams out of any conference so far this season. I was surprised that a team even emerged at the top in the first place, but for Bradley to do it over the likes of SIU and Drake is very impressive. In the entire season, Bradley has been 15-1 at home, but 8-5 away. 

Away, they were unable to beat Belmont twice and Drake once. So, in a neutral court, how will they fare in those games? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Despite that, Bradley is one of the best mid-majors in the country. They’re a more defensive team, ranking #37 in defensive efficiency on KenPom, but can get it done on the offensive end as well. They have a large rotation, commonly playing 8 guys over 15 minutes per game. 

They’re very experienced, and shoot well. They don't have an insane X-factor, but are just one of the most well-rounded teams in the country and at one time were on the bubble for an at-large bid. Think of them as a mid-major Virginia. However, they’ll have to get through Drake for an AQ tournament bid.

Drake

Despite having a bit of a disappointing non-conference resume, the MVC preseason favorites bounced back after a rough start to conference play. Their 10-game win streak just ended at Bradley in the last regular season game of the season, but they also beat Bradley earlier in the season. 

Drake is the perfect mid-major. They have a leading scorer in Tucker DeVries who is one of the best players in the conference, as well as 4 seniors around him to round out their starting 5. Because of this experience, they’ll be hard to knock off both in the MVC tournament and the NCAA Tournament if they make it past this juggernaut of a conference. 

However, the only team that they lost two twice and were unable to beat is another experienced team with a bit more talent than Drake that is looking to earn their school’s 7th tournament appearance.

Sleeper

Missouri State

That team is Missouri State. Led by Arkansas transfer Chance Moore and senior Donovon Clay, this transfer-filled team had the same problems that most transfer teams have early in the season. Missouri State, because of all their new parts, didn’t have the best chemistry and struggled because of it. 

They entered conference play with a 4-6 record, and despite beating MTSU and Oakland, still struggled. This is also due to losing starting guard Matthew Lee, who you may remember from Saint Peter’s run last season. He’ll be out for the season, but Chance Moore and Colorado transfer Kendle Moore have really stepped up for them. 

They showed flashes throughout conference play, beating Drake twice, which is extremely impressive, but struggled with consistency. They’ve looked better recently, winning 4 of their last 6 against very good competition. 

Will their experience help them mesh together for the MVC tournament, or will their inconsistency eliminate them from a NCAA Tournament berth?

Bracket Prediction