The conference season is one-third of the way into the books, which means it's time to take a look around the Valley...
Drake (6-0, 15-1)
The Bulldogs play suffocating defense, allowing just 57.4 ppg, and the inside-outside combination of Josh Young (16.3 ppg) and Jonathan Cox (8.5 rpg) has developed into the league's finest. A 6-point loss on the road at St. Mary's is the only blemish thus far and Drake led by eight late in that contest. The nation is starting to take notice as the Bulldogs were #26 in the latest AP Poll.
Illinois State (6-0 , 14-3)
This team full of highly prized recruits has finally arrived. Osiris Eldridge and Levi Dyer have gotten most of the attention, but Boo Richardson has posted almost 3.5 assists for every turnover and is arguably the league's top point guard. Up next, the Redbirds have 4 of 5 on the road.
Creighton (4-2 , 13-3)
The Bluejays are the youngest team in the Valley and they seem to be on the fast track to a top 4 slot in this year's Arch Madness. After opening the conference season with losses to Illinois State and Indiana State, Creighton has now won four straight, including three on the road.
Indiana State (4-2 , 9-7)
Sandwiched between 20+ point losses to Drake and Missouri State was a 2-OT victory over SIU. The Sycamores are talented, but they have yet to show the consistency required to win this writer over. Still, credit is due for the strong start posted and their potential is considerable.
Southern Illinois (3-3 , 8-9)
A team that is competing against the Temple Owls in the battle to become the best .500 team in the nation, the Salukis have a favorable upcoming schedule and the talent to really make a push. When this team is clicking, they still look like the best team in the Valley, but those moments have been few and far between thus far.
Missouri State (3-3 , 10-8)
Deven Mitchell is putting up All-Valley numbers, but the supporting cast has yet to distinguish itself. The Bears have played everybody tough and blown out Indiana State, so a move up the ladder isn't out of the question.
Northern Iowa (2-4 , 10-7)
Without a true point guard, the Panthers have struggled to get enough production on the offensive end to move out of the lower tier. Eric Coleman is still the most consistent low post presence in the league and leads the Valley with 12.4 rpg.
Wichita State (1-5 , 8-9)
The Shockers are still developing young talent and have struggled in league play, but they are the #1 rebounding team in the Valley and are in the top 20 scoring defenses in the nation.
Bradley (1-5 , 8-10)
Daniel Ruffin can't get back fast enough. When he does return it might simply mean a reshuffling of seats on the deck of the Titanic, as this ship appears to be going down quick.
Evansville (0-6 , 5-11)
Competing without Seniors and featuring guard Shy Ely, the future appears bright for Evansville. Despite Ely's 28 point performance against Illinois State, the Aces still took a loss and they lack the firepower to stay with the rest of the league for a full 40.
Southern plays Wichita State on Saturday at 2pm. The Salukis will look to build towards a top spot in the Valley. If the Salukis and the Bluejays both win out this week, the ESPN Gameday crew will have lots to talk about when they hit Southern Illionis next Saturday.
For even more coverage of the Salukis and the MVC listen to the Sunday Sports Review at 10AM on 91.1 WDBX.
