Drake Stuns Missouri in NCAA Tournament Upset, Advances to Second Round

Drake University, boasting the nation’s stingiest scoring defense, orchestrated a significant upset in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, dispatching a high-powered Missouri squad by a score of 67-57. The eleventh-seeded Bulldogs showcased their defensive prowess, stifling the sixth-seeded Tigers and advancing to the second round of the tournament. This victory marks a significant achievement for Drake under the guidance of first-year head coach Ben McCollum, who has quickly established a winning culture in Des Moines.

McCollum inherited a program reeling from the departure of Darian DeVries, who accepted the head coaching position at West Virginia University. DeVries left behind a legacy of success, including a 28-win season and an NCAA Tournament appearance. Moreover, a large portion of that successful team transferred out, presenting McCollum with the challenging task of rebuilding the roster and maintaining the program’s momentum.

However, McCollum was more than prepared for the challenge. He arrived at Drake with an impressive pedigree, having led Northwest Missouri State to four Division II national championships between 2017 and 2022. Recognizing the need to quickly establish a foundation, McCollum brought along four players from his former program, including the dynamic guard Bennett Stirtz.

Stirtz quickly emerged as a key contributor for the Bulldogs, earning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors. His leadership and scoring ability proved crucial in guiding Drake to another successful season. The Bulldogs captured their third consecutive Missouri Valley Conference tournament title and set a new school record for wins with 30 victories.

Entering the NCAA Tournament, Drake’s defensive identity was well-established. They allowed an average of just 58.4 points per game, making them the toughest team to score against in the entire country. However, the first-round matchup against Missouri presented a unique challenge.

The Tigers possessed a potent offensive attack, averaging 84.5 points per game, which ranked ninth among all Division I teams. Their offensive efficiency was further highlighted by their sixth-place ranking in KenPom’s offensive rating. Missouri’s offensive firepower was predicated on a fast-paced style of play, characterized by quick ball movement and aggressive scoring.

Drake understood that to secure an upset victory, they needed to disrupt Missouri’s offensive rhythm and force them to play at a slower pace. The Bulldogs executed their game plan to near perfection. They successfully dictated the tempo of the game, transforming it into a slow, methodical contest where nearly every possession concluded with the shot clock expiring.

Missouri struggled to adapt to Drake’s defensive pressure and deliberate pace. Their offensive flow was disrupted, and they found it difficult to generate open looks. The Tigers’ frustration was evident in their shooting performance, particularly in the first half.

Missouri managed to briefly take the lead in the opening minutes of the game, but Drake quickly responded and seized control. The Tigers’ offensive woes were exacerbated by turnovers, further hindering their ability to establish any consistency. Missouri connected on only seven field goals in the first half and committed nine turnovers, a stark contrast to their usual offensive efficiency.

While Missouri’s offense sputtered, Drake’s Bennett Stirtz stepped up and provided a spark. Stirtz, known as the "iron man of college basketball" for leading the nation in minutes played per game, showcased his scoring prowess. He accounted for 12 of Drake’s first 18 points and finished the game with a game-high 21 points. His ability to penetrate the defense, create scoring opportunities, and knock down crucial shots proved instrumental in Drake’s success.

Drake carried a seven-point lead into halftime, and the second half saw the Bulldogs extend their advantage. Missouri endured a cold spell to start the second half, missing their first eight shots and committing four turnovers. Drake capitalized on Missouri’s struggles, building a game-high 15-point lead with less than 13 minutes remaining.

However, Missouri refused to concede. Midway through the second half, their offense finally began to find its footing. They mounted a furious comeback, fueled by increased intensity on both ends of the floor. The Tigers chipped away at Drake’s lead, eventually cutting the deficit to just one point with four and a half minutes left in the game.

Despite the mounting pressure, Drake remained composed and resilient. They weathered Missouri’s surge, demonstrating their mental toughness and ability to execute in critical situations. The Bulldogs tightened their defense, forcing Missouri into difficult shots and preventing them from regaining the lead.

Missouri’s shooting struggles resurfaced in the closing minutes. The Tigers went cold from the field, connecting on only two of their final six attempts. Drake took advantage of Missouri’s offensive woes, securing key rebounds and converting crucial free throws to seal the victory. The 57 points scored by Missouri were the second-lowest total they had posted all season, underscoring the effectiveness of Drake’s defensive game plan.

Drake’s victory marked their first NCAA Tournament win since the 2021 First Four game and their first true first-round victory since the tournament expanded in 1985. Their previous first-round win occurred in the 1971 tournament, which featured only 25 teams.

For Missouri, the loss extended their streak of first-round struggles. It was their sixth loss in the first round of the last seven tournament appearances. Adding to the sting, it marked the second consecutive tournament game where the Tigers, as a single-digit seed, were defeated by a double-digit seed. In the 2023 tournament, as a No. 7 seed, Missouri suffered a stunning upset at the hands of 15th-seeded Princeton in the second round.

Drake’s impressive victory serves as a testament to Coach McCollum’s leadership and the team’s unwavering commitment to defense. The Bulldogs’ ability to stifle a high-scoring offense and execute their game plan under pressure demonstrates their potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their second-round matchup will present another formidable challenge, but Drake has proven that they are a team to be reckoned with.