Mid-Continent Quarterfinals Preview

(1) Valparaiso vs (8) Oakland
Valparaiso defeated Oakland in both contests this season. Valparaiso is currently on a 12 game not losing ever streak to Oakland who has been unable to beat the Mid-Con champs in every try. Valpo is looking for their eight Mid-Con tournament championship. The X factor? Oakland was supposed to be number-one, now they have the chance to beat number-one. Oakland’s Mike Helm is their leader and will be the difference in the game. Mike Helms and Co. will have to hope that 13 is their lucky number.

(2) IUPUI vs (7) Southern Utah
The two split regular season battles each winning on the other’s home floor. If Southern Utah wants the upset they will have to use hold Bradley in check and hope the Jags struggle to shoot as they did in the Jan. 17 win. Southern Utah will have to depend on their range and quickness, but cannot compete with IUPUI ‘s athleticism.

(3) Centenary vs (6) Chicago State
Team Feel-Good-Story-of-the-Year split the season series with the Gents. Centenary lost to the Cougars in their last regular season game. The key for Kevin Jones’ men is to force the Gentlemen to not mind their elders (the Wiz) and force other people to score. The Wiz is the only player on the team to average double-digits. Expect the trio of Franklin, Weeden ,and Perry to get theirs, but if State wants to win this game and games after 7’1″ baby baller Jeleel Ankindele will need to swat more shots. Last time these two teams played Ankindele welcomed the Gentlemen to his block party sending back five shots.

(4) Oral Roberts vs (5) UMKC
The two split regular season match-ups, each winning on the other’s home floor. UMKC is the host school and should have the crowd on their side, but Michael Watson will need to try to match the scoring power of the Infant Eagles. Johnathon Bluit leads the Mid-Con in assists and will be looking to hand dimes out to his young buddies. Nation meet King Tutt.