MVC Hoops 2019-2020

[VUGrad1314]

Some great highs:

Evansville over Kentucky

Illinois State over Belmont

Valpo over Toledo

Some serious lows:

Loyola's 1-2 start

Missouri State's loss to Little Rock

SIU losing to Delaware and Oakland


Hard to judge the MVC so far but there are still some good opportunities for many schools. I am SO EXCITED right now because of Evansville's victory tonight! If they can contend in the Valley they might be able to build a resume that catches people's eye.

[talksalot]

and the realTimeRPI site is out this morning... and the new #1 team in the country is ..... NOT what you would expect

1     Illinois St.    2-0    0.9375   1    0.9167     Mvc   0-0
2     N. Carolina    2-0    0.9167   2    0.8889     Acc   1-0
3     George Mason    2-0    0.9062   3    0.8750     Atl10   0-0
4     Michigan    2-0    0.9062   4    0.8750     Big10   0-0
5     Fordham    1-0    0.8750   8    0.8333     Atl10   0-0
6     Kansas St.    2-0    0.8750   13    0.8333     Big12   0-0
7     Texas            3-0    0.8750   16    0.8333     Big12   0-0
8     Tennessee    2-0    0.8750   19    0.8333     Sec   0-0
9     California    1-0    0.8750   20    0.8333     Pac12   0-0
10     Boston Coll.    2-0    0.8750   22    0.8333     Acc   1-0
11     Virginia Tech    2-0    0.8542   26    0.8056     Acc   1-0
12     Ohio St.    2-0    0.8333   30    0.7778     Big10   0-0
13     Portland    1-1    0.8208   5    0.8611     Wcc   0-0
14     Kent St.    1-0    0.8125   31    0.7500     Midam   0-0
15     AR Litt Rock    1-1    0.8000   23    0.8333     Sbelt   0-0
16     UCLA            2-0    0.7917   39    0.7222     Pac12   0-0
17     Duke        3-0    0.7639   50    0.6852     Acc   0-0
18     LSU        1-0    0.7500   57    0.6667     Sec   0-0
19     TCU            1-0    0.7500   58    0.6667     Big12   0-0
20     S.F. Austin    1-0    0.7500   61    0.6667     Sland   0-0
21     Wyoming    1-1    0.7500   14    0.8333     Mwest   0-0
22     Old Dominion    1-1    0.7500   15    0.8333     Cusa   0-0
23     Evansville    2-0    0.7500   67    0.6667     Mvc   0-0
24     Virginia    2-0    0.7500   71    0.6667     Acc   1-0
25     Marquette    1-0    0.7500   72    0.6667     Bige   0-0
26     South Carol    2-0    0.7500   78    0.6667     Sec   0-0
27     USC            3-0    0.7465   80    0.6620     Pac12   0-0
28     Kentucky    2-1    0.7404   11    0.8333     Sec   0-0
29     St. John's    3-0    0.7292   87    0.6389     Bige   0-0
30     UMass            3-0    0.7222   92    0.6296     Atl10   0-0
31     Xavier    3-0    0.7222   93    0.6296     Bige   0-0
32     Clemson    2-1    0.7196   27    0.8056     Acc   0-1
33     Northern Iowa    2-0    0.7188   94    0.6250     Mvc   0-0
34     Cincinnati    1-1    0.7188   28    0.7917     Aac   0-0
35     Mississippi    2-0    0.7188   95    0.6250     Sec   0-0
36     Arkansas    2-0    0.7083   97    0.6111     Sec   0-0
37     Arizona    2-0    0.7083   99    0.6111     Pac12   0-0
38     Louisville    2-0    0.7083   104    0.6111     Acc   1-0
39     N.C. Wilmingn    1-1    0.7000   21    0.8333     Coln   0-0
40     Winthrop    2-1    0.6989   82    0.6574     Bsou   0-0
41     Rice            2-1    0.6923   74    0.6667     Cusa   0-0
42     Wichita St.    2-0    0.6875   109    0.5833     Aac   0-0
43     Georgia Tech    2-0    0.6875   110    0.5833     Acc   1-0
44     Washington    2-0    0.6875   111    0.5833     Pac12   0-0
45     S. Diego St.    2-0    0.6875   112    0.5833     Mwest   0-0
46     San Francisco    2-0    0.6875   114    0.5833     Wcc   0-0
47     James Madison    1-1    0.6875   37    0.7500     Coln   0-0
48     Northeastern    2-1    0.6854   81    0.6574     Coln   0-0
49     Nicholls    1-1    0.6750   68    0.6667     Sland   0-0
50     Illinois    2-1    0.6715   91    0.6389     Big10   0-0
51     Oregon    3-0    0.6667   124    0.5556     Pac12   0-0
52     Temple    2-0    0.6667   127    0.5556     Aac   0-0
53     E. Kentucky    1-1    0.6667   44    0.7222     Ovc   0-0
54     Saint Louis    2-0    0.6667   129    0.5556     Atl10   0-0
55     Utah            2-0    0.6615   132    0.5486     Pac12   0-0
56     Vermont    2-0    0.6562   134    0.5417     Aeast   0-0
57     Texas A&M    2-0    0.6562   136    0.5417     Sec   0-0
58     Florida St.    1-1    0.6542   89    0.6389     Acc   0-1
59     Valparaiso    2-1    0.6506   101    0.6111     Mvc   0-0
60     Harvard    1-1    0.6458   47    0.6944     Ivy   0-0
61     William-Mary    3-0    0.6389   140    0.5185     Coln   0-0
62     South Dakota    3-0    0.6354   145    0.5139     Summ   0-0
63     Delaware    3-0    0.6354   147    0.5139     Coln   0-0
64     Toledo    1-1    0.6333   100    0.6111     Midam   0-0


Loyola fell to 267...   I was a bit concerned when I saw Eastern Michigan was ranked 353 of 354 teams... but they have not played any D1 schools yet (wins by 42 and 52 points over D2... and they play Michigan-Dearborn in their opener on Thursday.

[VUGrad1314]

MVC Stand up!

https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1194438911239610368


And lest you think that has to do with former members from bygone times. Only ONE of those was from one of the MVC's defectors Wichita State's victory over Gonzaga in 2013. The other wins were by Evansville last night and UNI twice.

[valpo84]

On the Loyola loss to Coppin State of the MEAC.  Not making excuses for them, but some interesting points (i) Loyola only had 8 Scholly players healthy for the game, (ii) Coppin did not miss a FT down the stretch, (iii) Coppin is a well coached team with excellent shooters, Coached by Juan Dixon former Maryland standout, (iv) Coppin employed the foul before the shot strategy up 3 in the last 10 seconds, twice fouling the ball handler before Loyola could set up for a shot, Coppin knocked down their FTs after each time Loyola then fouled, (v) Loyola down 3 tried the "make then miss attempt" with 1.8 left and the shooter missed everything left, (vi) Loyola had given up a decent lead in the second half.  The crowd was not all that great for LU, could see lots of empty seats for a good mid-major matchup, but not the greatest weather. Krutwig is having nice all-around numbers.

Coppin has had a good track record in D1, including 4 NCAA appearances. They had been coached for a very long time by Fang Mitchell, who was an excellent coach.  The Valpo connection--current coach Dixon was a frosh when we played Maryland in the 1999 NCAA 1st round at Orlando.  The year after the shot.  We had a surprisingly good rebuild year with the emergence of Lubos Barton, including starting the year with wins over South Carolina and Seton Hall at the Hoosier Dome, but that #2 seeded Maryland team beat us 82-60 and then ended up losing in Sweet 16.  Maryland had 3 NBA draft picks, Stevie Francis, Laron Profit and Obinna Ekezie.  Lonny Baxter and Dixon were highly touted frosh. Oh and they also had Terrence Morris.  They would win the Championship in 2002. The other side of the bracket in Orlando had Indiana and STJs (with the artist formerly known as Ron Artest).  The Orlando pod also had Creighton coached by Dana Altman upsetting Denny Crum's Ville.  Other coaches of note in the South region -- Gregg Marshall at Winthrop, Mike Jarvis at St Johns, Tom Penders at GWU, Jim Boeheim, Steve Lavin (UCLA), Eddie Sutton (Ok St).  Detroit made it from the old MCC coached by Perry Watson.

[talksalot]

and this morning's RealTimeRpi... top 5

Rank    team     D1Rec   ####     SOS    SOS ###  Conf.   Conf.   W-L
1     Virginia    2-0    0.9688   1    0.9583     Acc   1-0
2     Evansville    2-0    0.9375   2    0.9167     Mvc   0-0
3     Illinois St.    2-0    0.9375   3    0.9167     Mvc   0-0
4     N. Carolina    2-0    0.9167   4    0.8889     Acc   1-0
5     Michigan    2-0    0.9062   6    0.8750     Big10   0-0

Valpo climbed from 59 to 54, with SOS #87

North Dakota is #153
Eastern Michigan is LAST at #354.

MVC jumped from #16 to #10 in the conference ranking  16-10 against D1 opponents.  Indiana State is the only MVC team without a D1 win, they go to Muncie on Saturday.

Our former conference fell to #29... 6-12 against D-1.

[vu84v2]

and this morning's RealTimeRpi... top 5

Rank    team     D1Rec   ####     SOS    SOS ###  Conf.   Conf.   W-L
1     Virginia    2-0    0.9688   1    0.9583     Acc   1-0
2     Evansville    2-0    0.9375   2    0.9167     Mvc   0-0
3     Illinois St.    2-0    0.9375   3    0.9167     Mvc   0-0
4     N. Carolina    2-0    0.9167   4    0.8889     Acc   1-0
5     Michigan    2-0    0.9062   6    0.8750     Big10   0-0

Valpo climbed from 59 to 54, with SOS #87

North Dakota is #153
Eastern Michigan is LAST at #354.

MVC jumped from #16 to #10 in the conference ranking  16-10 against D1 opponents.  Indiana State is the only MVC team without a D1 win, they go to Muncie on Saturday.

Our former conference fell to #29... 6-12 against D-1.

There is a good lesson here for anyone who tries to generate conclusions from a small sample size.

[Just Sayin]

and this morning's RealTimeRpi... top 5 Rank    team     D1Rec   ####     SOS    SOS ###  Conf.   Conf.   W-L 1     Virginia    2-0    0.9688   1    0.9583     Acc   1-0 2     Evansville    2-0    0.9375   2    0.9167     Mvc   0-0 3     Illinois St.    2-0    0.9375   3    0.9167     Mvc   0-0 4     N. Carolina    2-0    0.9167   4    0.8889     Acc   1-0 5     Michigan    2-0    0.9062   6    0.8750     Big10   0-0 Valpo climbed from 59 to 54, with SOS #87 North Dakota is #153 Eastern Michigan is LAST at #354. MVC jumped from #16 to #10 in the conference ranking  16-10 against D1 opponents.  Indiana State is the only MVC team without a D1 win, they go to Muncie on Saturday. Our former conference fell to #29... 6-12 against D-1.

There is a good lesson here for anyone who tries to generate conclusions from a small sample size.

For the most part, this early in the season, any numbers from RPI, Sagarin, or Pomeroy, BPI, (or others)  are not very helpful in sorting out the good from the bad.
But,
Showing these numbers historically over time will become meaningful over time.

[a3uge]

and this morning's RealTimeRpi... top 5

Rank    team     D1Rec   ####     SOS    SOS ###  Conf.   Conf.   W-L
1     Virginia    2-0    0.9688   1    0.9583     Acc   1-0
2     Evansville    2-0    0.9375   2    0.9167     Mvc   0-0
3     Illinois St.    2-0    0.9375   3    0.9167     Mvc   0-0
4     N. Carolina    2-0    0.9167   4    0.8889     Acc   1-0
5     Michigan    2-0    0.9062   6    0.8750     Big10   0-0

Valpo climbed from 59 to 54, with SOS #87

North Dakota is #153
Eastern Michigan is LAST at #354.

MVC jumped from #16 to #10 in the conference ranking  16-10 against D1 opponents.  Indiana State is the only MVC team without a D1 win, they go to Muncie on Saturday.

Our former conference fell to #29... 6-12 against D-1.

There is a good lesson here for anyone who tries to generate conclusions from a small sample size.

Also, RPI isn't even a thing anymore.

[VALPO LI]

UNI plays #24 Colorado tonight in Boulder.
Let's see if this 8-1 Panther team is for real.
I'm rooting for them!!!

[justducky]

Panthers up 1 at halftime. Fortunately I have the PAC-12 network!   

Unfortunately I'm listening to Bill Walton.    I can't stand that guy!

[vu84v2]

Panthers up 9 early in the second half. I really hope that they can close the deal.

[wh]

Tied with 4:15 left. Pretty poorly played game on both sides. Green only 5-14, but 4-8 from 3. Very 1-dimensional.

[wh]

UNI scores the last 6 points to win by 3. Great finish!

[justducky]

Pretty poorly played game on both sides.

Were we watching the same game? Phyfe and Dahl will own anybody we place at center, Berhow will be extremely difficult to stop and Green received smothering defense and could still put up points! Even with Fazekas I don't see us matching up too well with Northern Iowa. They are going to be a handful!

[vu84v2]

Great win for UNI! Bill Walton has still probably not recognized that a 'Conference of Champions' team lost at home to an MVC team.

[justducky]

Great win for UNI! Bill Walton has still probably not recognized that a 'Conference of Champions' team lost at home to an MVC team.

Truth be known I'd selfishly like to see the Panthers lay an egg at Grand Canyon. 

[wh]

Pretty poorly played game on both sides.

Were we watching the same game? Phyfe and Dahl will own anybody we place at center, Berhow will be extremely difficult to stop and Green received smothering defense and could still put up points! Even with Fazekas I don't see us matching up too well with Northern Iowa. They are going to be a handful!

Dahl is a 7' role player who averages an anemic 3.8 PPG and 2.8 RPG in only 11 min. To his credit, he played the game of his life tonight with 7-7 FG and 6 rebounds in 19 min. Clearly, he was the x-factor in tonight's game. That said, the only way he should "own us" is if we totally ignore him the way Colorado did.

In any event, it was a very good win for them on the road against a good (not great) P5. And, of course they will be a handful. I would never think otherwise.

[VUGrad1314]

Great win for UNI! Bill Walton has still probably not recognized that a 'Conference of Champions' team lost at home to an MVC team.

Truth be known I'd selfishly like to see the Panthers lay an egg at Grand Canyon. 

Then you don't have the interests of the MVC and by extension Valpo at heart. This conference needs UNI to tear it up. They are clearly our best team. We want them in as high a seed as possible and possibly having a shot to make the MVC a multibid league again.

[SanityLost17]

Great win for UNI! Bill Walton has still probably not recognized that a 'Conference of Champions' team lost at home to an MVC team.

Truth be known I'd selfishly like to see the Panthers lay an egg at Grand Canyon. 

Then you don't have the interests of the MVC and by extension Valpo at heart. This conference needs UNI to tear it up. They are clearly our best team. We want them in as high a seed as possible and possibly having a shot to make the MVC a multibid league again.

VUGrad needs a to go on a vacation and have a few drinks by the pool.   Relax a bit.   

[FWalum]

Were we watching the same game? Phyfe and Dahl will own anybody we place at center, Berhow will be extremely difficult to stop and Green received smothering defense and could still put up points! Even with Fazekas I don't see us matching up too well with Northern Iowa. They are going to be a handful!

It does appear that Northern Iowa is shaping up to be the top team in the league. We split with them last year winning by 9 at home and losing by 11 away. They have improved and we have improved and while I would currently give them the edge based on their OOC schedule and returning players, I think our style change could make for an interesting contrast.

[crusadermoe]

I see a lot of balance shaping up again. 

But UNI has a good history and a great coach.   Not a bad team to featured as a favorite if I had to pick a non-Valpo team. 

Bradley and Wardle rank at the bottom of that list for me.

[vu72]

It does appear that Northern Iowa is shaping up to be the top team in the league. We split with them last year winning by 9 at home and losing by 11 away. They have improved and we have improved and while I would currently give them the edge based on their OOC schedule and returning players, I think our style change could make for an interesting contrast.

As usual, a very fair appraisal.  I would add, without knowledge of the new players at UNI, that the players we have added since last year, are proving to be significantly better than the players who chose to play elsewhere.  At the very least they are currently more effective because both of our departed 7 footers are out with injuries.  Our style of play is WAY different than last year as well.  It should prove to be challenging for the rest of the league. Time will tell...

[VUGrad1314]

Great win for UNI! Bill Walton has still probably not recognized that a 'Conference of Champions' team lost at home to an MVC team.

Truth be known I'd selfishly like to see the Panthers lay an egg at Grand Canyon. 

Then you don't have the interests of the MVC and by extension Valpo at heart. This conference needs UNI to tear it up. They are clearly our best team. We want them in as high a seed as possible and possibly having a shot to make the MVC a multibid league again.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401173623


Good. Stay strong UNI the MVC needs you!

[justducky]

Great win for UNI! Bill Walton has still probably not recognized that a 'Conference of Champions' team lost at home to an MVC team.

Truth be known I'd selfishly like to see the Panthers lay an egg at Grand Canyon. 

Then you don't have the interests of the MVC and by extension Valpo at heart. This conference needs UNI to tear it up. They are clearly our best team. We want them in as high a seed as possible and possibly having a shot to make the MVC a multibid league again.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401173623


Good. Stay strong UNI the MVC needs you!

I watched most of the game but threw in the towel early and went to bed.       I have watched a lot of Valley basketball and there is no longer any doubt in my mind who the best team is. With Fazekas we are good enough to upset them but everything will need to click! Thankfully that will be true of every other Valley challenger so a top half Valley finish is not unimaginable.

[Just Sayin]

Great win for UNI! Bill Walton has still probably not recognized that a 'Conference of Champions' team lost at home to an MVC team.

Truth be known I'd selfishly like to see the Panthers lay an egg at Grand Canyon. 

Then you don't have the interests of the MVC and by extension Valpo at heart. This conference needs UNI to tear it up. They are clearly our best team. We want them in as high a seed as possible and possibly having a shot to make the MVC a multibid league again.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401173623 Good. Stay strong UNI the MVC needs you!

I watched most of the game but threw in the towel early and went to bed.       I have watched a lot of Valley basketball and there is no longer any doubt in my mind who the best team is. With Fazekas we are good enough to upset them but everything will need to click! Thankfully that will be true of every other Valley challenger so a top half Valley finish is not unimaginable.

Their bigs are for real.