As conference tournaments kicked off on Tuesday with high seeds going 12-0, the 2020 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament will hope to provide some upsets into that mix. With some of the heavy hitters ending the season on a bit of a skid, it will be interesting to see how the teams will come into the tournament.
2020 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Bracket
Favorites to Win: Northern Iowa
With MVC Player of the Year AJ Green at the helm, the Panthers are the favorites to win this tournament. The Panthers have had themselves a great season. With wins at Northern Illinois, at South Carolina, at Colorado, at Grand Canyon, and a narrow loss to West Virginia in Morgantown their non conference.
Though they suffered back to back losses for the first time the season just a few weeks ago. They have bounced back accordingly winning their last three games in the regular season. To me though, I wonder if it’ll show the teams that they play in tournament any weaknesses of their game. I’m sure Coach Ben Jacobson will have this team ready to play.
Teams to Watch: Indiana State & Bradley
Though neither of these teams finished second, they were right there come the final stretch of the season. This Bradley team has been streaky as of late. Going from a four game win streak to ending the season 1-2 in their final three. I’m not sure if this will play into their heads moving forward, but it certainly cannot be a good thing for the Braves.
The Sycamores though are on the opposite trend to the Braves. Winners of their last four, you have to think that they are one of the hottest teams in the MVC right now. Led by Tyreke Key, Indiana State has a community of scorers as they have 6 players averaging 7 points or more. It will be interesting to see if Indiana State can keep this momentum going.
Player to Watch: Cameron Krutwig
Listen, you will have every other page telling you that AJ Green is the player to watch in this tournament. That is why I am giving you a different player, the do it all center for the Loyola Chicago Ramblers will look to keep their season and postseason hopes alive. Leading the team in points (15.3), rebounds (8), assists (4.2), and blocks (0.6). This man is trying to make it to the “Big Dance”.
Teams Dancing: 2020 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Winner
You have to wonder if Northern Iowa would have beat West Virginia if they would be considered a bubble team? with a 37 NET as of now, but I guess that will be something they look back on as I believe there will only be one MVC team going to March Madness.
So Panthers fans, you best hope that they take care of business this week, or this season will be for not as they will have to look back at what could have been.
You can view the rest of our conference tournament previews here.