1. Impressive marks
Although no Valley teams are ranked in the Top 25, nine of the conference’s 10 teams have winning records. Included in the Valley’s 48-18 record (36-3 at home) are 6-0 Missouri State (formerly Southwest Missouri State), 5-0 Indiana State, 6-1 Northern Iowa, 7-2 Indiana State and 7-2 Wichita State.
2. Big wins
Among the better victories for the MVC this season are Indiana State’s win over No. 18 Indiana, Northern Iowa’s overtime victory over No. 22 Iowa and Creighton, minus injured star Nate Funk, humbling Nebraska.
3. Tests upcoming
This week provides some good matchups, including Bradley playing host to Western Kentucky on Wednesday, Missouri State at Arkansas on Thursday and Creighton hosting Xavier on Sunday.
4. Southern Illinois report card
Pass: Freshman point guard Bryan Mullins of Downers Grove South has played well for the defending champion Salukis (4-3) as has guard Tony Young of Schaumburg.
Fail: The Salukis only recently have remembered that defense has been the reason for the program’s success.
5. Bradley report card
Pass: The Braves (3-2) have been more than competitive while 7-foot center Patrick O’Bryant sits out the first eight games because of an NCAA suspension.
Fail: Bradley’s losses were at midmajors Loyola and Butler.
6. Illinois State report card
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Pass: ISU (5-2) is holding teams to a MVC-low 53.4 points per game.
Fail: The Redbirds can’t find the basket, averaging 60.6 points per game and shooting 42.9 percent from the floor.