Arch Madness: The Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Preview
The Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, is set to host one of the most compelling mid-major conference tournaments in men’s college basketball: the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) tournament, affectionately known as Arch Madness. With tip-off just around the corner, anticipation is building for a week of intense competition that will determine which team earns an automatic bid to the coveted NCAA Tournament.
Typically held the week preceding Selection Sunday, Arch Madness is more than just a tournament; it’s a showcase of talent and a potential gateway to March Madness glory. The MVC has a history of sending multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament, although it’s not a frequent occurrence. The last time the conference achieved this feat was in 2021, and a strong performance by several teams this year could make a similar outcome possible.
The Contenders: Drake Leads the Pack, But Challengers Lurk
Drake enters the tournament as the regular season champion and the projected automatic bid in USA TODAY Sports’ Bracketology. Their dominant season has established them as the team to beat, but several formidable opponents stand in their way.
Bradley, which defeated Drake last month, poses a significant threat. The Braves have the talent and experience to challenge for the title and potentially steal the automatic bid. Northern Iowa is another team to watch. The Panthers pushed Drake to overtime in their recent matchup, demonstrating their ability to compete with the conference’s best.
Bubble Teams on High Alert
For teams on the bubble of NCAA Tournament selection, Arch Madness will be closely monitored. A bid-stealing scenario could drastically alter the landscape of the tournament field, leaving bubble teams nervously awaiting their fate.
Tournament Schedule
The tournament kicks off on Thursday, March 6th, with four first-round matchups:
- Southern Illinois vs. Indiana State, 1 p.m.
- Illinois State vs. Missouri State, 3:30 p.m.
- Murray State vs. Evansville, 7 p.m.
- Illinois-Chicago vs. Valparaiso, 9:30 p.m.
The second round on Friday, March 7th, features the top seeds:
- Drake vs. Southern Illinois-Indiana State winner, 1 p.m.
- Belmont vs. Illinois State-Missouri State winner, 3:30 p.m.
- Bradley vs. Murray State-Evansville winner, 7 p.m.
- Northern Iowa vs. Illinois-Chicago-Valparaiso winner, 9:30 p.m.
The semifinals take place on Saturday, March 8th:
- Drake-Southern Illinois-Indiana State winner vs. Belmont-Illinois State-Missouri State winner, 3:30 p.m.
- Bradley-Murray State-Evansville winner vs. Northern Iowa-Illinois-Chicago-Valparaiso winner, 6 p.m.
The championship game is scheduled for Sunday, March 9th, at 2:15 p.m., where the two semifinal winners will battle for the coveted automatic bid.
Drake’s Quest for a Three-Peat
Drake is aiming to achieve a rare feat: winning three consecutive MVC tournament titles. Their dominant 27-3 record, including a 17-3 mark in conference play, makes them the clear favorite. The Bulldogs have won 15 of their last 16 games, showcasing their exceptional consistency.
One of Drake’s strengths is their stifling defense, which allows only 59.2 points per game, ranking third-best in Division I. Opponents have struggled to break the 70-point barrier against the Bulldogs, a testament to their defensive prowess. First-year head coach Ben McCollum has seamlessly continued the winning tradition at Drake, leading the team to a program record in regular season wins.
If Drake triumphs, they would be the first team since Southern Illinois in 1993-95 to win three consecutive MVC tournaments. However, Bradley and Northern Iowa are determined to disrupt Drake’s plans and seize the championship for themselves.
Key Players to Watch
Several talented players are expected to shine in the tournament:
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Bennett Stirtz, Drake: The conference player of the year has made a seamless transition to Division I, following McCollum from Northwestern Missouri State. He led the conference in points (18.9), assists (5.9), and steals (2.2) per game, becoming only the third player in league history to achieve this statistical trifecta in the same season. Stirtz is the driving force behind Drake’s offense and a disruptive force on defense.
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Duke Deen, Bradley: A back-to-back first-team all-conference selection, Deen is the offensive catalyst for the Braves. He averages 14.1 points and 3.8 assists per game and is a dangerous 3-point shooter, connecting on 41.1% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Deen’s scoring ability and playmaking skills make him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
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Tytan Anderson, Northern Iowa: Anderson leads the Panthers with 15.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He not only provides offensive firepower but also sets the tone defensively. His improved play in the second half of the season was crucial to Northern Iowa securing a No. 3 seed in the tournament.
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Connor Turnbull, Evansville: The 6-foot-10-inch junior is a formidable rim protector, averaging 1.87 blocks per game, which ranks 30th in the country. Turnbull’s defensive presence makes it difficult for opponents to score inside. He has also contributed offensively, averaging 11.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in conference play.
NCAA Tournament Implications
The MVC is likely to receive only one bid to the NCAA Tournament, but Drake’s performance in the tournament could influence the selection committee’s decision. Currently projected as a No. 12 seed, the Bulldogs have a compelling case for an at-large bid if they lose in the championship game.
Drake is 5-0 in Quad 1 and 2 games, demonstrating their ability to compete against top-tier opponents. However, their NET ranking of 60 is not ideal for an at-large team. For comparison, Indiana State finished with a NET ranking of 29 last year but was ultimately left out of the tournament.
Arch Madness promises to be a thrilling week of basketball, with high stakes and intense competition. The tournament will not only determine the MVC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament but also shape the landscape of the tournament field and the fates of several bubble teams. As the teams prepare to battle it out on the court, fans can expect a display of talent, determination, and the unpredictable nature of March Madness.
