14dabucs's Blog

Well, I had a huge post all typed up with highlights from each game and behind the scenes at the MVC Tourney, but then I lost my internet connection and lost the whole thing, which sucked.  Anyway, rather than be bummed, I'll focus on some of the highlights this year.

• The Valley is blowing up big time.  Attendance records were shattered and I think 85,000+ were in attendance, with Saturday and Sunday sessions sold out and upper level tickets going for an unconfirmed $150 and up.  That made for an awesome atmosphere with SIU and Missouri State fans going crazy.  Lots of fun to see the tournament enjoyed by so many.
• Mid-major?  Not so much.  Nearly every game in the conference was decided by three points or less.  There was some great basketball being played at Scottrade.  Heck, even the usually one-and-done Drake Bulldogs put on a great show with an OT victory.  The wins were hard-fought and entertaining.  The Valley has great teams nearly top to bottom and this weekend proved it.
• Missouri State can't win for losing.  After a heartbreaking loss Saturday, I think Missouri State's chances for a tournament bid are over.  On the other side of it, the decision makers might take the strength of the conference into account and rectify the mistake they made last year of not inviting Missouri State to the big dance, but I have a feeling things don't quite work that way.
• The bubble.  Creighton is definitely in after their final victory (about the only upset in the whole tournament as the four teams seeded 1-4 all ended up making the semifinals, which does not happen often).  SIU may be seeded a tad lower after Sunday's game, but they are still in.  However, it is anybody's guess on whether or not Missouri State (who played a lot like SIU did today) and Bradley will get invites.  Methinks it comes down to one or the other and the Valley has three representatives in the NCAA tournament.
• Maurice Drummond is one of the happiest people I have ever met.  I saw Mo up in the pressbox enjoying a quick bite to eat before he ran somewhere else.  He was one of the most gracious folks I've come across in a long time.  I don't think any of us here have any idea how hard he and the other folks at Fox work to bring us the latest and greatest news.  I got tired just listening to his schedule.  Somebody give that man a raise and some time to blog!

Anyway, I took a bunch of pictures with my phone that I am not sure even turned out, and I'll get them uploaded into photos.  I cannot wait for regionals!