The mid-majors
After scoring a team-high 17 points in last night's win, Phil Fayne's (@philly_f_baby_ ) autograph was in high demand. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/ILHySuudcf
— Illinois State MBB (@Redbird_MBB) December 30, 2016
The Redbirds of Illinois State are actually rated above Illinois at No. 69 in the KenPom ratings, playing out of the perpetually overlooked Missouri Valley Conference.
The team has wins over New Mexico, Saint Joseph’s, Tulsa and Indiana-slayer Fort Wayne.
As always, Wichita State is the team to beat in that league, but also keep an eye on Loyola Chicago (and consider head to today’s Illinois State/Loyola game).
There’s not much to see otherwise across the state this year, but maybe we’ll be surprised and a team such as Eastern Illinois will roll through its conference tournament in March, breaking the embarrassing streak.
Someone has got to do it.
