2022 Missouri Valley Conference tournament: Best bets, sleepers and storylines

Previewing the Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball tournament.

When you think of the Missouri Valley Conference, what comes to mind? Some will think of Larry Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores. Many will remember “The Shot” from Ali Farokhmanesh to lift Northern Iowa over Kansas in the 2010 NCAA Tournament. But the majority of people will bring up Loyola Chicago and all the noise the team has made in recent years come tourney time.

Although the MVC has its household name (Loyola), the conference has continuously proven its competitive balance through the years — 2022 is no different. The MVC standings concluded with at least four teams turning in double-digits conference wins for the fourth straight season. Likewise, it was the fourth year in a row that the top two seeds finished no more than a game apart in the standings.

Another competitive tournament is slated for March 3rd. Let’s dig into everything from sleeper teams to players to watch.

All odds via Tipico Sportsbook