Press "Enter" to skip to content

One on one: Who will win the MVC Tournament

Wichita State

By Alex Kryah

Chris, I don’t think there is much of an argument here as to who will win the Missouri Valley Conference tournament this upcoming weekend. Much to the chagrin of the fans of upsets, we’re going to see the best team claim the conference crown this year.

There are three reasons why Wichita State will not be shocked on their path to reclaiming the MVC crown: Fred VanVleet, Ron Baker and Gregg Marshall.

When you have a two-time MVC player of the year on your roster (VanVleet), it’s tough to lose. Baker is certainly no slouch, either. Combined, the Shocker stars have combined an average 26 points, with nine assists and eight rebounds per game this year, making them one of the most lethal duos in the conference.

Although the stats aren’t gaudy, their veteran guile and leadership, which are unquantifiable, are what make them so special. Under the ultimate leadership of Marshall, they have been to two Sweet Sixteen’s and one Final Four together. They’ve also won this tournament before.

Look, Chris doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I think he lost his thick-rimmed glasses when ISU and the Shockers played last, because he didn’t see the same drubbing I saw. If ISU is lucky enough to get to Wichita State again, Chris is going to look really bad (which isn’t anything new) when he witnesses the Shockers pummel the Redbirds.

Expect to see the Shockers on top by the end of the weekend.

 

Illinois State

By Chris Kwiecinski

I’ll bet you’re going to put your money on Wichita State just like Alex is.

Well, if you want to be right for once, you could pick against Wichita State and go with the Redbirds of Illinois State.

Yeah, all right, Wichita State is good.

They’re a perennial NCAA Tournament team who went to the Sweet Sixteen last year, and they’re the best in the Missouri Valley Conference by far with the one-two-punch guard combo of Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker.

But, the truth is, Wichita State is going to make the NCAA Tournament.

You know it. I know it. They know it. Even Alex knows it!

So, the Shockers cruise on, win a couple games and then putter out to a more complete team like they did last year. Who beat them last year? Oh, yeah, Illinois State.

It’s not like the Redbirds are very far off from the Shockers; they beat them at Redbird Arena earlier in February.

Sure, Wichita State beat down ISU at Koch Arena last weekend, but that was Senior Day for VanVleet and Baker. Banking on the Shockers to lose on that game is like betting on Bradley to go .500 in conference play; you just don’t do it.

This year, the MVC tournament has Illinois State written all over it. They’re the most complete team in the MVC, which is more than Evansville can say, and Wichita State isn’t playing for anything except a higher seed at the big dance.

Go ahead, bet on the Shockers with frat star Alex over there.

But just remember: When you lose your money, there’s a reason why I’m the Sports Editor and he’s the assistant.

Copyright © 2023, The Scout, Bradley University. All rights reserved.
The Scout is published by members of the student body of Bradley University. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the University.