NIT

We are a #5 seed in the NIT, with first round game against #4 S. Illinois.

This is a winable game if we decide to show up and play. I think this year will be different because in the previous two, the team expected the NCAA and settled for the NIT and got beat in the first round. This time, the NIT was anticipated and we have something to prove and build on for next year. This may be a good experience for our young team.

After we beat S Ill., we play the winner of Alabama St and Arizona St. Ariz St got the #1 seed, based on the overrated PAC 10. Nebraska handed it to ASU in December in the Big 12/ PAC 10 challenge. We can easily win this game as well.

When we make it that far, we may meet the traitor (Jai Lucas). Maybe we can return the favor and stab him in the back too, like he did in the recruiting process last year.

Where are my fellow Cowboy fans? There are more SIU posts than OSU!

While I appreciate comments from the opposition, it nice for some support from our fans.

If we play like we did in the first half against Texas in the Big 12 tourney we should win, but if we play like we did in the second half we will lose..... So there ya go thats what it will come down to! Were tired of losing in the first round anyway we are due for a W. in the NIT.

I'm sorry but playing in the Missouri Valley Conference is not like playing in the Big 12. While there are good teams in the conference like Drake & Creighton, they are not near the caliber of Texas & Kansas.

While anyone can win any game at any time based on shooting % & fouls called etc, there is no way in Hades that the best team in the Missouri Valley Conference could beat the best team in the Big 12 in a best of series.  Seeing the post about how we are screwed because the Salukis beat everyone at home is ludicrous. They didn't play Kansas, or Texas, or Kansas State or Oklahoma or Baylor, or Texas A&M. All of those teams made the NCAA just like Drake did. I would also believe that any of those six Big 12 Teams would win a series againt Drake or St Marys.

I don't mean to disparage teams from the Missouri Valley conference but facts are facts. I would say that the Salukis are in trouble! OSU did not do well in the Big 12, did not make the NCAA tournament, is lower seeded, and has to go on the road in the NIT. They also have shown to be a horrible road team while losing every road game for 2 years yet here we are a 4-5 seed matchup.

OSU did win a couple of road games at Texas A&M & Missouri late in the season and played well at Texas. They may have turned their road woes around a little. Our bad road record is the only reason I would give the Salukis a chance, especially since their #1 player is apparently hobbled. OSU never quite gelled this year until late.

Otherwise I say this is a great matchup of a good team from the Missouri Valley and a mediocre team from the Big 12. We are probably evenly matched. Our guys are healthy while So Ill is not. That may even up the home field advantage and make for a great game. Go Pokes!

Really?? Jeez!! This whole time, I thought they were exaclty the same. Thanks for the info, I've been fooled for so long. ??

I've got some info for you since you haven't done your homework. Drake is good this year and so is Creighton but you failed to mention ISU (2nd in conference, Creighton was 4th). If you are speaking on a consistancy basis, with an exception to this year, SIU has made it to the NCAA tourney  6 times in a row. Only 11or 12 other schools have that achievement. SIU lost to Kansas last year in the sweet 16 by three points. Three points that could've and should've been theirs based on a few horrible and blatantly obvious incorrect calls.

The Big 12 and their schools bring in 3 to 4 times the revenue, if not more, than any team in the valley. Bigger alumni basis with deeper pockets means better athletic programs and facilities. The fact that any valley team has competed and held their own against any bcs team or conference is a feat in it's own right.

SIU is having a terrible down year compared to their recent seasons. To be perfectly honest, I don't think they deserve a NIT invite, but they got lucky. I assume because they had one of the toughest schedules in the nation and still turned out over .500 gave them the benifit of the doubt. The arena is an old building. The design has the crowd right on top of you and it's extremly loud making it one of the more hostile environments to play in. considering SIU is 90-6 in the last 7 seasons at home, imo, not being able to win at SIU is hardly a "ludicrous" point.