Bradley headlines week two of The Scout’s weekly power rankings. The Valley struggled against tough out-of-conference opponents this week, but some teams kept it close or won outright. During the beginning of the season, the list will be fluid as teams find their footing and build chemistry. Reminder: the power rankings are not the standings, and the 12 teams are ranked based on performance, strength of schedule and availability of key players.
1. Bradley (2-1)
Last week’s ranking: 1
Latest result: 85-72 win versus UTSA
Next matchup: Northern Illinois
Bradley was outmatched against Washington State and suffered their first loss of the season, but bounced back in a big way against UTSA. The Braves struggled with turnovers and defending for 40 minutes but have been one of the best offenses in the conference. Senior Duke Deen led the way in game three, scoring 22 points and adding five assists.
2. Drake (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 4
Latest result: 66-51 win versus Stephen F. Austin
Next matchup: Florida Gulf Coast
Drake used a momentum-shifting second half to earn their second win of the season over SFA. Mitch Mascari did the heavy lifting, making eight three-pointers and finishing with 26 points. Drake has struggled with free-throw shooting, but has otherwise been amongst the best teams in the Valley. The Bulldogs have the best scoring defense in the conference, allowing just 46 points per game.
3. Illinois State (2-1)
Last week’s ranking: 6
Latest result: 85-75 win versus Ohio
Next matchup: Trinity Christian
The Redbirds have found their groove after their season-opening loss to UT-Martin. Illinois State’s offense was incredibly dynamic in their win against Ohio, shooting 61 percent from the field, 53 percent from behind the arch and making 15-of-16 free throws. Five Redbirds scored in double-figures. Dalton Banks set the bar with 23 points on eight-of-14 shooting. Once Boden Skunberg and Brandon Lieb return, Illinois State could pose a problem in the valley.
4. Murray State (1-1)
Last week’s ranking: 3
Latest result: 83-68 loss at Pittsburgh
Next matchup: at Middle Tennessee State
The Racers fell flat in Pittsburgh. They shot six-of-21 from three-point range and 44 percent overall. Nick Ellington and JaCobi Wood struggled, combining for only 12 points. Terence Harcum led the way with 15 points. Murray State committed too many fouls, which led to 33 free-throw attempts by the Panthers. It doesn’t get any easier for the Racers as they travel to face Middle Tennessee State on Saturday.
5. UNI (2-2)
Last week’s ranking: 2
Latest result: 79-73 loss to Wichita State
Next matchup: Western Illinois
The Panthers have lost back-to-back games, but both were against tough opponents. Thursday night, UNI played Wichita State on the road and fell by just six points. Senior Jacob Hutson showed up in a big way, scoring 22 points and adding three assists and four rebounds. The Panthers will have a few days off before potentially returning to the win column against Western Illinois.
6. Belmont (2-1)
Last week’s ranking: 8
Latest result: 80-79 win at Lipscomb
Next matchup: Air Force
Belmont has climbed the ladder after two solid performances against quality teams. The Bruins lost by two against Furman after PJay Smith Jr. made the game-winning three-pointer with 2.3 seconds remaining. Brody Peebles was efficient, shooting 12-for-18 and finished with 26 points. Belmont also won their next game at Lipscomb which went down to the wire. Isaiah Walker tied the matchup after being fouled on the put-back layup from Peebles’ missed shot attempt. Walker then sank the game-winning free throw with five seconds left..
7. Southern Illinois (1-2)
Last week’s ranking: 5
Latest result: 85-78 loss to Oklahoma State
Next matchup: North Dakota State
The Salukis are 1-2, but they have lost two games to respectable opponents. Thursday night, Southern Illinois battled against Oklahoma State and only lost by seven points after the game looked like it could get out of hand. Senior transfer Elijah Elliot led the way with 21 points and looked to be one of SIU’s key players. This team has shown fight, and we will be on the lookout for steady improvement as they face a slightly lighter schedule in the coming weeks.
8. UIC (2-1)
Last week’s ranking: 12
Latest result: 83-74 loss at Northwestern
Next matchup: St. Mary’s (MN)
UIC has been an early season surprise in the valley. Following a convincing 91-79 win against Yale, UIC played Northwestern and only lost by 10 against one of the highest-ranked opponents a Valley team has faced this season. The Flames put forth a great effort but made too many mistakes on offense, resulting in 19 turnovers. Javon Jackson has been consistent to start the year and scored his season average of 17 points against the Wildcats.
9. Missouri State (1-1)
Last week’s ranking: 10
Latest result: 90-61 win versus Missouri Southern State
Next matchup: Tulsa
Missouri State battled with Butler to open the season and then dominated Missouri Southern. The Bears are better than their 1-1 record and have another test versus Tulsa on the horizon. Freshman Zaxton King, sophomore Dez White and junior Vincent Brady II have stood out so far, leading the team in scoring. Missouri State will be a team to watch this season and a candidate to rise in the rankings.
10. Evansville (1-2)
Last week’s ranking: 9
Latest result: 80-63 loss at Middle Tennessee State
Next matchup: Radford
Evansville picked up its first win against Brescia but then took a tough loss to Middle Tennessee State. The Purple Aces competed in the first half but fell flat in the second. Junior Cam Haffner has been a bright spot. Haffner set a career-high against Brescia and then eclipsed it against Middle Tennessee, scoring 16 points on seven-of-12 shooting. Evansville’s offense has been struggling, especially from three and the free throw line.
11. Indiana State (1-2)
Last week’s ranking: 7
Latest result: 77-72 loss to SIUE
Next matchup: Ball State
Indiana State fell to 1-2 after a bad loss to SIUE in a buy-in game. The Sycamores have given up an average of 85 points over the last two games, and their offense has also struggled. This team is much different than last season, and it will take a few games to build chemistry. Sophomore Jahni Summers was one of the only bright spots, scoring 15 points and adding three rebounds.
12. Valparaiso (1-2)
Last week’s ranking: 11
Latest result: 75-67 loss versus Cleveland State
Next matchup: Lindenwood
Valaparaiso’s lone win of the season was against Division II Concordia University. Since then, its offense has struggled against Liberty and Cleveland State. The Beacons have a rebuilt team and are still putting the pieces together, but they have a long way to go before they can compete with the opponents in the valley.
