A light but still significant schedule last night. Here's some quick hitters.

The night's biggest winner was Illinois State, the No. 2 seed in the Missouri Valley. The Redbirds shook off pesky Missouri State (in what was likely Barry Hinson's final game as coach of the Bears) to improve to 22-8. Illinois State has more going for it --- 7-5 on the road, 6-5 vs. the top 100, 105th ranked nonconference schedule, 9-3 in the last 12, only one home loss (to Drake) all season --- than it has going against it (questionable losses at Indiana State, Northern Iowa and especially Eastern Michigan, best win is a sweep of Southern Illinois).

If the Redbirds beat Northern Iowa today, they'll probably solidify their spot in the field.

It can still be said no No. 1 seeds have been harmed in conference tournaments. Austin Peay and Belmont survived yesterday and avoided taking a spot in the NIT (please take note, all NIT bracketologists). Drake also won in the Missouri Valley.

A subtle winner last night was Rider, the No. 2 seed in the MAAC tournament. The Broncs, led by NBA-bound senior forward Jason Thompson, will get bottom-feeding Canisius in tonight's quarterfinal after the Golden Griffins surprised Iona.

The night's biggest loser was clearly Southern Illinois, which had a slim chance of making an at-large case for itself. Instead, the Salukis lost to Northern Iowa and will miss the tournament for the first time since 2001. Still lurking in the Valley, however, is Creighton. The Bluejays have won six of the last nine conference tournaments and get a shot at Drake today in St. Louis --- and will need to win it to have any plausible NCAA hopes.

--- Patrick Stevens