The 11-seed Bulldogs made history with their first NCAA tournament win in over 50 years, beating the 6-seed Tigers 67-57 at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. This marked the program’s first victory in the event since 1971.
Drake’s defense was on full display, holding Missouri to just 23 points in the first half and allowing only seven made field goals in that time. The Bulldogs’ slow-paced game plan also proved effective, as they went on a nearly seven-minute stretch without allowing the Tigers to score any other than two layups.
Senior Bennett Stirtz led the MVC in scoring and was named Player of the Year, contributing 14 points in the first half. Despite the team’s struggles from beyond the arc, Stirtz shot 5-of-8 from the field in that time. He also hit a crucial dagger off one leg to keep Missouri at bay.
Missouri struggled to find its rhythm, especially with Caleb Grill shooting just 1-of-7 from behind the arc. The Tigers’ season ended with six losses in their last eight games, four of which were against unranked opponents.
The Bulldogs will now face either No. 3 Texas Tech in the second round. With a strong defensive record this season, Drake has shown that it can hang with the best teams in the country. Head coach Ben McCollum may be leaving Des Moines soon, but he’s ending his tenure on a high note with this exciting upset win.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/article/bennett-stirtz-11-seed-drake-hang-on-to-upset-missouri-for-first-ncaa-tournament-win-in-54-years-021114992.html