Drake University coach Ben McCollum couldn’t have predicted this 365 days ago, but his team’s first-round NCAA tournament victory over Missouri was a vision he had from the start. The 11th-seeded Bulldogs’ 67-57 win was a testament to their patience, teamwork, and dedication.
McCollum expected this outcome, knowing that he brought “winners” with him when he took the top job at Drake last April. Junior guard Bennett Stirtz led the charge, scoring 21 points in a dominant performance on the boards.
The Bulldogs were physical and focused, holding Missouri to its lowest first-half point total of the season. A defensive surge led by junior college transfer Tavion Banks, who scored 15 points, sealed the win.
McCollum praised Stirtz for his poise under pressure, saying they “fit each other” on the court, with Stirtz’s calm demeanor complementing McCollum’s intensity.
With this victory, Drake advances to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1971 and McCollum becomes a favorite to find winners.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44336947/drake-blows-big-lead-beats-missouri-march-madness-opener