The 2009 Banana Peel List, Part II

Yesterday, I reviewed the status of the races in 11 conferences, ranging from the America East to the MEAC. Today, I’ll take a look at the other half of the alphabet, starting in the Heartland.

Missouri Valley

Current Leader: Northern Iowa (12-3)

State of the Race: Far tighter than it was two weeks ago. The Panthers have dropped two of their last three.  The first of those losses was to the team who may very well pass them in the standings, Creighton (12-4). UNI and CU split their two meetings, with each winning on the other’s home floor. The Blue Jays have a slightly better profile than the Panthers, with wins over New Mexico and Dayton at the Qwest Center and a close loss to Nebraska in Lincoln. UNI’s best non-league win, meanwhile, is one against Auburn in suburban Chicago. Don’t discount Illinois State’s chances as the Redbirds are two games back now, and they close the regular season by hosting UNI and traveling to Omaha.

Conference Tournament: March 5-8 in St. Louis

My Pick: Creighton, as they’re the hottest team in the conference right now.

Northeast

Current Leader: Robert Morris (13-1)

State of the Race: Not close. The Colonials lead last season’s tournament champions, Mount St. Mary’s by three games in the loss column. RMU won in Emmitsburg by seven and the two meet in Moon Township to close the regular season on Feb. 28.  It’s possible that the Colonials may wrap up homecourt advantage for the conference tournament by then.  Not that it matters based on last year’s results.

Conference Tournament: Higher seeds host on March 5, 8, 11

My Pick: Robert Morris. They were expected to make it last year and failed. This year, they weren’t expected to be as good and have a great shot to make the tournament for the first time.

Ohio Valley

Current Leader: Morehead State (12-3)

State of the Race: Tight. The Eagles lead Tennessee-Martin by a half game and defending champion Austin Peay by two games. Morehead has a 3-0 record against their pursuers, with a meeting at Tennessee-Martin to close the regular season. The Governors and Skyhawks split their two meetings, with each winning on the road.

Conference Tournament: Higher seeds host on March 3; March 6-7 at Nashville

My Pick: Morehead State because of their dominance over the 2nd and 3rd place teams in the league.

Patriot League

Current Leader: American (9-1)

State of the Race: The Eagles only conference loss was to second-place Holy Cross in Worcester. The two meet again in Washington on Saturday afternoon. Homecourt advantage for the Patriot League tournament may be on the line. Navy sits at 6-4, but they beat Holy Cross in Annapolis and lost to American by 1 there. They travel to Worcester on Wednesday and Washington one week later.

Conference Tournament:

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