The Valley keeps forcing its way into the discussion of best non-BCS conferences in the nation. Another stellar week was highlighted by fantastic performances, wins over BCS schools and continued national recognition for the league’s best squad. No performance was more impressive than that of Wichita State guard Joe Ragland, who in Sunday’s win over #20 UNLV, drained eight of his nine 3-point attempts en route to 31 points and a huge win for the Valley.
Creighton jumped to #17 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll and #19 in the AP Poll, with Northern Iowa getting votes in both polls. If Wichita State is able to defeat Tulsa and Utah State this week, they should also receive consideration.
Depending on the source, the Valley ranks between fifth and seventh in conference RPI this year, a far cry from the downward trend the league has seen in the past few seasons. With a few exceptions, Valley members have won the games they “needed” to win in order for a second (or third) team to receive attention from the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. With the start of the conference season just three weeks away, it is important for the league to finish the non-conference season strongly.
Here are the Missouri Valley Basketball Examiner’s Power Rankings for the 2011-12 season – Week of December 5, 2011:
1. Creighton (7-0)- Wins at San Diego State and against Nebraska cemented Creighton’s place amongst the top-20 teams in the country. Doug McDermott has a case for being an All-American. (1)
2. Wichita State (5-2)- The win over Cal State Fullerton was nice, but a trouncing of #20 UNLV at home showed the world that the Shockers are back for another run at the postseason. Joe Ragland, anyone? (3)
3. Northern Iowa (7-1)- Impressive wins at Iowa State and against Colorado State give the Panthers a six-game win streak heading into their matchup with Iowa. (4)
4. Missouri State (4-2)- The Bears dropped games at Oral Roberts and New Mexico, and shot below 44% in both games. Kyle Weems scored 32 points last week. (2)
5. Indiana State (6-2)- ISU became the second Valley team last week to lose to Boise State. Jake Odum has 19 points, 18 rebounds and 18 assists in his last two games. (5)
6. Drake (5-3)- The Bulldogs gave up 108 points in a blowout loss to Boise State, then got past Air Force at home. Kraidon Woods had seven blocks last week. (6)
7. Evansville (3-3)- The Aces squeaked by Alabama State, then lost a winnable game against TCU, despite Colt Ryan’s 31 points and eight rebounds. North Carolina looms… (7)
8. Illinois State (5-3)- After manhandling Chicago State, the Redbirds gave UNC-Wilmington their first win of the season. Tyler Brown (48.8% 3-pointers) is proving to be one of the league’s best deep threats. (8)
9. Bradley (3-4)- Committing 15 turnovers in the second half in a loss at Wyoming isn’t the way to move up the Power Rankings. (9)
10. Southern Illinois (1-3)- The Salukis were idle last week. As a team, they have registered 31 assists versus 60 turnovers in four games this season. (10)
Valley record: 46-23
Leave your comments below through Facebook, or tweet me at http://twitter.com/mvcexaminerjoe
Comments