This story will be updated following postgame interview with head coach Paul Lusk and select players.
There’s a different feel during Missouri Valley Conference basketball games than non-conference games. It’s not something tangible, but it’s there.
And even though JQH Arena was not packed Friday — Missouri State has been on break for over a week now — you could feel the difference in intensity from Tuesday night against Wright State and tonight when the Bears opened the MVC season against Loyola-Chicago.
For senior forward Alize Johnson and junior forward Reggie Scurry, the rise in intensity meant a rise in their level of play.