*2025-2026 Other games of Interest*

[BCPanther]

Did anyone else watch that ISU/Belmont game and think it felt a little like our game against Loyola for the regular season title a few years back? I remember a ton of fouls in that game, too, and some strong shooting. I think ISU threw their best punch in that game yesterday and Belmont really struggled with the defensive physicality towards the end.

The officiating in that game was a disaster from the jump. Randy McCall has completely lost his fastball and is just flat bad now, some of these guys need to know when it's time to retire.

That is about as well as Illinois State can play. They shot it well and didn't get bogged down on offense like they do at times. Can't wait to get them in the big building where they have all the pressure on Friday night in what is going to feel like a home game for us when the Bradley people stick around to cheer against them.

[Wxcpanther]

Did anyone else watch that ISU/Belmont game and think it felt a little like our game against Loyola for the regular season title a few years back? I remember a ton of fouls in that game, too, and some strong shooting. I think ISU threw their best punch in that game yesterday and Belmont really struggled with the defensive physicality towards the end.

Illinois State had their absolute best the last two games with Walker back. We will see if they can maintain that momentum going to St.Louis. As we have seen, that can be easier said than done for far more experienced teams.

[Wxcpanther]

Also, fwiw, I didn't have any issue with what Jake said. He's right. People are far too willing to jump ship when things aren't going well. We've known who this team is all season long, a couple bumps in the road doesn't change how good they are. Tristan moving back into the starting lineup made a big difference yesterday. Still have not lost a conference game where he starts. Let's go make some history and win 4 in 4.

[06panther10]

Illinois State had their absolute best the last two games with Walker back. We will see if they can maintain that momentum going to St.Louis. As we have seen, that can be easier said than done for far more experienced teams.

If we can get thru Evansville (please God), I am in no way looking forward to seeing ISU again, but I am sure they are thinking the exact same thing about playing us.

[UNIAlum95]

Also, fwiw, I didn't have any issue with what Jake said. He's right. People are far too willing to jump ship when things aren't going well. We've known who this team is all season long, a couple bumps in the road doesn't change how good they are. Tristan moving back into the starting lineup made a big difference yesterday. Still have not lost a conference game where he starts. Let's go make some history and win 4 in 4.

Criticism isn't jumping ship. It's calling out something that needs to be fixed. Criticism means you have a following. Silence = apathy = you've lost the base.

I'm sure Jake is sore about people calling out the kids and that's fair. They are 18-22 year olds. But then again, they are now getting paid, some more than others I'm sure. But if you are going to collect a check, you'd better expect that comes with getting called out when the play on the court doesn't match the capabilities.

[Wxcpanther]

I will say, too, Jake's frustration with the fans probably isn't just about the criticism. We had a really poor crowd showing last Saturday for senior day, and then the people who did show uo immediately fled for the exits instead of sticking around for the senior day stuff for a class that deserved far better than that. I get being frustrated, but sometimes there is just a bad matchup and you get beat. It happens to every team in the country. That doesn't mean something needs to change.

[06panther10]

Coach Jake just mentioned in the presser today that they are still in the process of trying to get another year for Benny, and they are "hopeful".

Man, how big would that be for our team to bring him back another year.

[BCPanther]

Coach Jake just mentioned in the presser today that they are still in the process of trying to get another year for Benny, and they are "hopeful".

Man, how big would that be for our team to bring him back another year.

That team was going to need somebody that could create and he's the ideal one for it.

[UNIAlum95]

Coach Jake just mentioned in the presser today that they are still in the process of trying to get another year for Benny, and they are "hopeful".

Man, how big would that be for our team to bring him back another year.

Wow that would be amazing. It's a very strange new world when you have something like 8 years to compete. Benny back for another year would move us back toward the top of the preseason conference.

[GarretW1797]

Coach Jake just mentioned in the presser today that they are still in the process of trying to get another year for Benny, and they are "hopeful".

Man, how big would that be for our team to bring him back another year.

I was wondering if they would try to since he only played 10 games his last year with Loyola. I forget however if that was due to injury or just being far down in the rotation. But yeah, that would be amazing to have him back.

[MVCBeat]

The rule for a medical redshirt is you have to play in less than 30% of your team's games. He played in 10 out of 33 games for Loyola in 23-24, which is 30.3%. If that team had won a game in the league tournament or in the NIT he would be below 30%.

Seems kinda silly that that could determine his fate.

[catsize]

The rule for a medical redshirt is you have to play in less than 30% of your team's games. He played in 10 out of 33 games for Loyola in 23-24, which is 30.3%. If that team had won a game in the league tournament or in the NIT he would be below 30%.

Seems kinda silly that that could determine his fate.

He should just tell them he is planning to transfer to a Big 10 or SEC team, they will then automatically grant the waiver, he can then change his mind and decide to stay and play here instead.

[QCPanther05]

Wow that would be amazing. It's a very strange new world when you have something like 8 years to compete. Benny back for another year would move us back toward the top of the preseason conference.

That’s where we were this year and we’re playing on Thursday. Means absolutely nothing.

[MVCBeat]

Any word on when/where Panther pregame pep rally will be on Thursday?

[Panther AC]

Any word on when/where Panther pregame pep rally will be on Thursday?

7 pm at Ballpark Village.