I fell like its a sneaky big win...winning on the road always big. Winning when playing not great is a new thing. Played well and lost some games by not closing. Valpo closed in OT knowing the game was blown once. You see teams fold all the time in OT after blowing it in regulation. Incrementally things looking better. Wish we ran a couple of sets just for Dease. To be able to get him going. Lets sneak one from Bradley. Also a little factoid... anyone noticed Wilmington is 19-3? Quality comp pre conference didnt hurt.
We have snuck 10 points ahead of Drake on NET (161) and 25 on KenPom (151). We trail Bradley by similar distances. Seems like these upcoming 4 games will dictate our MVC tournament seeding.
Torvik Net Efficiency Ratings - MVC - January 1, 2026 - January 31, 2026
1. Belmont
2. Illinois Chicago
3. Valparaiso
4. Illinois State
5. Missouri State
6. Northern Iowa
7. Bradley
8. Indiana State
9. Drake
10. Evansville New
Wonder when was the last time Valpo was sniffing at the top 150 in the nation for NET
@rezynezy 2019-20 when we reached 138 and went to the MVC title game. 195 or lower every other year since the NET was started.
I see a scenario where we steal a dub at Bradley and the ARC becomes a madhouse of momentum when Evansville comes to town on a Friday night. Can’t get ahead of myself!
This was a big road win.... I know this is getting way ahead but would love to see the guys in a post season tournament. There are a lot now, NCAA, NIT, CBC, CBI, CIT...... Believe MVC had 4 teams playing post season last year. Why not Valpo this year?
@mwsportsfan must admit, I have been thinking the same thing.
Pretty sure the CIT is dead, it was announced to happen last year but never did, and no announcement this year. The CBI, although a fun tournament, is not as high quality as it used to be now that anyone can pay to play...I heard strong rumors that Roger was exploring a bid last year had All and Cooper not jumped into the portal so early - nevertheless, there is strong correlation between playing in that tournament and having a successful next season - Illinois State won it last year.
CBC won't take many mid-majors, NIT would be a dream especially since semis/finals in Indy, but to get the type of winning streak that would put us in NIT contention, we'd probably be disappointed to not ride that to an Arch Madness title.
One can dream!!...or, more wisely, make sure we don't go on a 5 game losing streak that kills all of those ideas first.
Here is the Kenpom game stats from ISU....
Only 14 3-point shots but 26 free throws taken. As I noted a month ago after the wins against UIC and Illinois State, Valpo has been successful when limiting the 3-point shooting and consequently getting a difference in free throws that proves the margin of victory. Since then, VU has a 5-3 record, and each win follows this pattern while the losses do not.
Here is the Kenpom game stats from ISU....
Only 14 3-point shots but 26 free throws taken. As I noted a month ago after the wins against UIC and Illinois State, Valpo has been successful when limiting the 3-point shooting and consequently getting a difference in free throws that proves the margin of victory. Since then, VU has a 5-3 record, and each win follows this pattern while the losses do not.
Pleased to see Coach Powell recognize and repeat this successful pattern and its trend in recent wins during his weekly video with Brandon.
Here is the Kenpom game stats from ISU....
Only 14 3-point shots but 26 free throws taken. As I noted a month ago after the wins against UIC and Illinois State, Valpo has been successful when limiting the 3-point shooting and consequently getting a difference in free throws that proves the margin of victory. Since then, VU has a 5-3 record, and each win follows this pattern while the losses do not.
excellent point!
