The 1997 Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball tournament was played after the conclusion of the 1996–1997 regular season at the Kiel Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The Illinois State Redbirds defeated the Southwest Missouri State Bears in the championship game, 75–72, and as a result won their 3rd MVC Tournament title and earned an automatic bid to the 1997 NCAA tournament. Rico Hill of Illinois State was named the tournament MVP. Tournament Bracket See also Missouri Valley Conference References 1996–97 Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball season Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball tournament 1997 in sports in Missouri College basketball tournaments in Missouri Basketball competitions in St. Louis