2 MVC games Friday Dec. 23

[Da Coach]

There are 2 MVC games today, Fri. Dec. 23-

CONTINENTAL TIRE LAS VEGAS CLASSIC......HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC

 

[tornado]

The ISU writer says the Valley has already pretty much blown its chance to be a 2-bid league this year
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/co...cle_0e03fb6d-d7ca-5b73-8eae-9a04a69b0247.html

 

[Da Coach]

Missouri State beats DePaul 69-58
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400931950


ISU leads University of San Francisco 31-29 at halftime-
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400931958

The game is currently on ESPN2

 

[Da Coach]

Illinois State loses to University of San Francisco 66-58, and drop to 7-4-
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400931958

USF was an RPI of 171, so this loss will hurt ISU's RPI

 

[tornado]

San Francisco outscores ISU off the bench 45-10
I guess the ISU writer knew something

 

[Da Coach]

It was a good game to watch. USF is not nearly as athletic as ISU, but they held the lead most of the 2nd half due to better shooting, but it stayed very close. But then ISU "got stuck on a number" for about 6 minutes, while missing 11 consecutive shots and allowing USF to pull out to a 9 point lead with 1 minute left. ISU cut the lead to 4 points inside the final minute due to a bunch of missed free throws by USF and a couple three pointers, but then they ran out of time. Deontae Hawkins and Tony Willis did not have very good games and ISU got very little from their bench players.
ISU will now play Tulsa on Sunday for 3rd place in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. USF plays San Diego State for the championship.