“Arch Madness” returns to the midwest this year, as the Missouri Valley ramps up for another conference tournament. Here at The U, we’re taking a look at all of the main factors for each conference tourney. From favorites, players to watch, and potential upsets; here’s everything you need to know about The Valley this year.
2021 Missouri Valley Tournament Bracket:
Favorite to Win: Loyola Chicago
Sister Jean is still going strong at 101, and the Ramblers are doing the same. Three years removed from their storybook Final Four run, Porter Moser has Loyola back at the top of The Valley, as well as in the AP Top 25. The Ramblers went 16-2 in conference play this season. They can attribute a lot of that success to their senior center, Cameron Krutwig. The conference player of the year has come a long way since his freshman year when he was a role player on the Final Four squad. Krutwig averaged 15 points, 6.5 rebounds, and three assists per game this season as the focal point of the Loyola offense. The Ramblers also have the conference Defensive Player of the Year winner in senior guard Lucas Williamson. Loyola currently projects as an 8 seed in most NCAA tournament brackets. They’ll need to run the table in The Valley to hold onto that line.
Team to Watch: Northern Iowa
The Panthers enter the field as the seventh seed, but they remain dangerous. Considered among the favorites entering the season, this year hasn’t gone according to plan. Star guard AJ Green had his season cut short with a season-ending injury back in December. Even with Green out, this group has players that can beat you. I’m more intrigued by their path than anything else. They’ll start with an Illinois State team that they’ve beaten twice already this year. Should they win there I think there’s serious potential for an upset victory over Drake, as the Bulldogs will be without first-team guard Roman Penn. Ben Jacobson is an experienced coach who knows how to get his teams playing well in March. For those reasons, I’ll be watching the Panthers closely this week.
Player to Watch: Isiaih Mosley (Missouri State)
Mosley is the definition of a bucket-getter. Missouri State’s star guard averaged 20 points per game this season and was one of only three players in the nation to do so while also shooting over 50% from the field. Mosley can get to the rim and shoot from outside (38% from 3). The Bears have won seven of their last eight heading into “Arch Madness,” and the Sophomore guard is a big reason why. This is the type of player that is absolutely capable of carrying his team through their conference tournament and then causing serious problems for a powerhouse during March Madness.
Current Tournament Teams: 1 or 2
Your opinion on mid-major programs likely influences how many “tournament teams” are in The Valley right now. Loyola is a lock in the eyes of just about everyone, and then there’s Drake. The eye test shows you a solid team with a strong record at 24-3. It’s even more compelling that the Bulldogs are 3-1 this season against the other top 2 teams in the conference (Loyola and Mo-State). However, two bad losses to Valparaiso and Bradley, paired with a weak non-conference resume will have the Bulldogs sweating it out on Selection Sunday if they can’t win the automatic bid.
Prediction: Loyola Chicago
It’s hard to roll with anybody but the Ramblers right now. They have the perfect blend of tournament experience, great coaching, and talented players. UNI is compelling, as is Missouri State, but this tournament is Loyola Chicago’s to lose. Cameron Krutwig should be the difference, as there are few players in the country that bring as much versatility to the floor as he does. I’d be surprised if anyone knocks this team off their current path. The Ramblers should be back in the field of 68, but they won’t sneak up on anybody this time around.