The Real Prestige Rankings: Part VII

Youngstown State is the only team in this conference without an NCAA tournament appearance since 1985.

11)  Missouri Valley Conference – Average Point Total: 68.60

1) Southern Illinois – 146 (T-67, T-53)

2) Creighton – 114 (83, 59)

3) Missouri State – 92 (T-90, 55)

4) Bradley – 88 (T-93, T-102)

5) Illinois State – 72 (T-102, T-102)

6) Wichita State – 56 (T-118, 160)

T-7) Northern Iowa – 40 (T-132, T-214)

T-7) Evansville – 40 (T-132, T-148)

9) Indiana State – 36 (T-149, T-260)

10) Drake – 2 (T-226, T-274)

The Missouri Valley is the first conference to appear in the rankings with two teams eclipsing the 100 point mark.  Southern Illinoisand Creighton have had the most tournament success of these teams, with the Salukis topping the Blue Jays for the top spot in the conference.

The Missouri Valley has recently established itself as the strongest mid-major conference in college basketball, but many teams have had tournament success in this conference throughout the past 24 seasons.

Every single team in this conference, except Drake, has recorded a tournament victory in the time period.  Drake actually dominated the league last season and earned a No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament, but they fell victim to No. 12-seeded Western Kentucky in a thrilling overtime upset.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?