The Missouri Valley Conference announced changes to the conference post season basketball tournaments. Beginning next season the top two seeds will receive double byes into the semifinal round. This past season, regular season Valley champion Belmont finished with a 26-5 record before losing to ninth seeded Drake in the quarterfinal round at Arch Madness. The loss knocked the Bruins out of the NCAA Tournament. Bulldog coach Eric Henderson says it is all part of an effort to help the Valley become a multiple bid league.
The last time the Missouri Valley received an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament was Drake in 2021. Henderson says Valley schools are trying to get more power conference schools on the schedule to boost their tournament resume.
Henderson says the changes to the tournament were discussed by the Valley coaches.
The Missouri Valley also announced the women’s tournament will be moved and join the men’s tournament in St. Louis.
