Drake Bulldogs Survive NCAA Opener, Revive March Madness Dream

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – The Drake Bulldogs secured a decisive early victory in the NCAA Tournament, defeating Missouri 67-57 in a first-round matchup on Thursday night. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Ben McCollum, the 11th-seeded Bulldogs showcased a defense-driven strategy that allowed them to pull off the upset against a higher-seeded opponent.

Drake became the first team this season to reach 30 wins, led by notable performances from players who have risen from Division II basketball to shine on a national stage. Bennett Stirtz, a guard from Liberty, Missouri, led the Bulldogs with 21 points, brilliantly executing under pressure, including a crucial three-pointer as the shot clock expired.

“I don’t really know what I was doing there,” Stirtz said with a grin after the game. “I just knew time was winding down and had to get a shot up.”

The Bulldogs have made headlines this season after McCollum, who built a powerhouse at Northwest Missouri State, inherited a team that lost 15 players following the previous coach’s departure. His approach focused on forging a strong team culture with a core of Division II transfers. Despite skepticism about the decision to recruit lower-tier players, McCollum remained confident in their abilities and potential.

“I brought winners with me, and that’s what I expected from this team,” McCollum explained. “I believe in these kids, and they’ve shown that they can compete at this level. It’s hard to put into words the joy of seeing this come to fruition.”

The Bulldogs showcased exceptional defensive skills, holding Missouri to a season-low 23 points in the first half and allowing only 59 points overall, ranking them second nationally in scoring defense. Their strategic slow-tempo play disrupted Missouri’s attempts to establish rhythm.

“That’s how we win basketball games,” McCollum said when discussing his team’s tactical approach. “We value possessions and make things difficult for the opponents.”

Missouri struggled to adjust to Drake’s defensive intensity, as the Tigers did not manage to score from the field for a significant stretch in the second half. While they clawed back to within one point late in the game, the Bulldogs closed out the contest by capitalizing on free-throw opportunities and forcing turnovers to secure their victory.

“Every time we turned the ball over, we sprinted back,” McCollum noted. “Those hustle plays are crucial during a game like this, and our kids embraced that challenge.”

The game marked a significant achievement for Drake, ending a four-game losing streak in opening-round NCAA matchups. With the win, they are advancing to the second round for the first time since 1971, demonstrating the competitive spirit and capabilities of a program often overlooked in the larger college basketball landscape.

“To get one win is insane,” said Isaiah Jackson, another pivotal player who joined from Northwest Missouri State. “But nobody here is satisfied with just one. We believe we have the potential to continue this run.”

Next up, the Bulldogs will face third-seeded Texas Tech on Saturday, a matchup that fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating. McCollum’s team, driven by determination and a strong sense of camaraderie, is prepared to make an impression on this year’s tournament, sending a message that they are a force to be reckoned with.