Although preseason favorite Missouri State has suffered through an injury riddled campaign and finished sixth in the league standings, Illinois State has emerged as a surprise co-champion with Dallas Baptist as the MVC Tournament opens a five-day run at Duffy Bass Field on Tuesday.
The Valley ranks sixth in RPI (Rating Percentage Index) among all Division I conferences and although only the tournament champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, the league has three teams with realistic at-large berth aspirations in ISU, Dallas Baptist and Indiana State.
"You look at the depth and see the RPIs and you've got to realize Missouri State, one of your best programs if not the best, and they're having a poor year by their standards," Illinois State coach Steve Holm said.