Sat Mar 08 20:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Arch Madness Set to Determine NCAA Tournament Fate for Missouri Valley Conference Contenders

**St. Louis, MO** – The Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) tournament, affectionately known as Arch Madness, is underway in St. Louis, with high stakes for several teams vying for a coveted NCAA Tournament berth. While the MVC typically sends multiple teams to March Madness, this year’s tournament is particularly compelling, with several squads capable of stealing a bid.

Regular season champion Drake (27-3, 17-3 MVC), projected as an automatic bid by USA TODAY Sports Bracketology, enters as the favorite. Their dominant season, featuring a program-record number of wins and stingy defense (allowing just 59.2 points per game, third-best in Division I), makes them a formidable opponent. However, Bradley, who defeated Drake last month, and Northern Iowa pose significant threats. Both teams have the potential to upset Drake and secure an at-large bid.

The tournament has already seen several exciting matchups, including Southern Illinois’s narrow victory over Indiana State (86-85) and Drake’s win over Southern Illinois (70-53). Valparaiso also secured wins against Illinois-Chicago and Northern Iowa.

Drake’s star player, conference Player of the Year Bennett Stirtz, leads the team with impressive averages of 18.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Bradley counters with Duke Deen, a consistent offensive threat, and Northern Iowa boasts Tytan Anderson’s scoring and defensive prowess. Evansville’s Connor Turnbull, a shot-blocking force, also adds another layer of complexity.

While Drake is currently projected as a No. 12 seed, a loss in the championship game could jeopardize their NCAA Tournament hopes despite their strong 5-0 record in Quad 1 and 2 games. Their NET ranking of 60 is a concern, as last year’s Indiana State team (28-6, NET ranking 29) missed the tournament. The MVC tournament will therefore be crucial in determining which team ultimately advances to the Big Dance.

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