Under the Radar Game of the Day: Illinois State at Loyola-Chicago

Illinois State at Loyola-Chicago, 2:00 PM Eastern, espn3

The New Year has arrived and as a result, the vast amount of college basketball left to be played before Selection Sunday will be conference play, including today’s very intriguing Missouri Valley Conference matchup between Illinois State and Loyola-Chicago.  The visiting Redbirds enter today’s game at 9-4 overall and 1-0 in MVC play after a win at home over Evansville.  They also have a third place finish at the Diamond Head Classic on their resume having defeated both Hawai’i and Tulsa in that event.  Phil Fayne had one of the best games of his young career in the MVC opener against Evansville, leading the team with 17 points while pulling down 5 rebounds and blocking 4 shots.  If he and his Redbirds can prove tonight that they can win on the road in conference play, they may still prove to be one of the top challengers to Wichita State as we head through January and February.

The Loyola Ramblers currently sit at 10-4, tough they have lost their last two games after a 10-2 start, including their conference opener at Drake by a 102-98 score.  Aundre Jackson was held to only 4 points before fouling out in the Drake loss, after having some great games earlier this season including a 24 point effort in a home win over San Diego State.  If he can stay in the game and pick up the points, this team has a great chance at not only winning today’s game, but moving up into the position of top threat to Wichita as the season goes on.  Today’s game could prove to be extremely entertaining, but then again the Under the Radar Game of the Day aims to never disappoint.  In other words — if you are in Chicago, go to the game.  If not, watch it!!