If the Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball season were over today, Bradley would be headed back to the 4-5 seeded game of the MVC tournament for a fifth consecutive year.
As the fifth seed in this premature scenario, the Braves would meet their most difficult league nemesis, current No. 4 seed Creighton, Bradley’s foe twice before in opening-round mid-pack matchups (the teams have split). Creighton has beaten Bradley in 17 of the last 20 meetings.
But there are 15 regular-season MVC games left, three per team. Thousands upon thousands of potential scenarios remain as just three games separate third-place Illinois State (9-6) from eighth-place Southern Illinois and Drake (6-9).
At 8-7 and tied with Creighton for fourth, BU could finish anywhere from second to ninth. The Braves have games left at Indiana State, home vs. Wichita State and at Creighton.
But one thing is certain. Bradley’s upset victory Saturday over No. 1 Northern Iowa was big for the Braves’ tiebreaker opportunities. With the logjam in the middle of the standings, deadlocked teams seem inevitable.
It marked the Braves’ first victory this season over a first-division Valley club. Since the Panthers likely will be the tournament’s top seed, it’s a crucial victory in Bradley’s favor as programs fight furiously to avoid the Thursday play-in round.
“Every game is a big game, and that’s the way you should like it,” BU coach Jim Les said. “It should bring out the best in you. That’s what makes it fun.”
EGLSEDER IMPACT: It will be interesting to observe the impact on many fronts of Northern Iowa center Jordan Egleseder’s three-game suspension for drunken driving.
The infraction is a rarity for a program known for its unselfishness, togetherness and apparent clean image.
Despite lacking great star talent, the Panthers have gone 27-6 in league play the past two seasons and, at a minimum, have clinched shares of two consecutive MVC titles.
But Eglseder’s absence the next 10 days could have many impacts. If the Panthers stumble at home against Creighton or at Evansville without their big guy, the Valley tournament seedings could be affected.
Eglseder also will miss the Panthers’ home BracketBuster feature television matchup against Old Dominion. A loss could damage UNI’s likely NCAA tournament seed. Or it could boost the Monarchs toward a bid.
Then there’s the Valley Player of the Year voting. Eglseder, as the top contributor on the best team, was the leading candidate for the award. Not anymore.
So although nobody can take away what the Panthers have accomplished thus far this season, Eglseder’s selfish act could trigger ramifications, good and bad, around the Valley and beyond.
BRAVES BRIEFS: BU guard Dodie Dunson, redshirting this season after he broke his left arm in November, is making good progress in his recovery. Dunson is able to participate in non-contact drills and limited halfcourt sets. “The doctors have told me I should be able to go through a full practice after the Valley tournament,” he said Sunday. Bradley can only hope it has reason to practice at that point. ... Illinois State’s Osiris Eldridge and Dinma Odiakosa lead the Valley in scoring and rebounding, respectively, and are looking to become the first from the same school to sweep the statistical categories since 1992, when Ashraf Amaya of Southern Illinois topped both. ... Drexel, Bradley’s BracketBusters opponent Saturday at Carver Arena, is 15-12 after beating Delaware 68-60 on Saturday. The Dragons have won three of four since the BU matchup was announced, with victories against Towson and George Mason at home. Drexel is 5-9 on the road this year. ... By the way, the Dragons’ home attendance this year is 1,364. Shouldn’t be too intimidating of an atmosphere when the Braves visit Philadelphia for the return game either next season or in 2011-12. ... The suspension of Creighton guard P’Allen Stinnett has been extended to the remainder of the season, the school announced Sunday. Stinnett was suspended indefinitely Jan. 25 for conduct not acceptable to the team, and he has missed the last six games. The junior has received nine technical fouls during his career as a Bluejay.
Dave Reynolds is a Journal Star sports reporter. He can be reached at dreynolds@pjstar.com or 686-3210.
