The Drake Bulldogs could have a major impact on the title race in the Valley when they host Wichita State Wednesday night in their home finale. The Bulldogs have dropped eight of their last nine games and host a Shocker team that can clinch at least a share of the league title with a win. Drake coach Tom Davis says they have good depth and balance inside and out and have stayed pretty healthy.

The Bulldogs have lost a series of close games against the Valley contenders at home and Davis was asked how they can turn that around. Davis says if he knew the answer to that he could sleep better. He says they have good talent and good athletes, but haven’t played well, and are not as good a players as they can be. Davis says they’ve won some close games, but the losses seem to stay with you most as a coach and a player.

The Bulldogs are 12-16 overall but Davis is not concerned his team will just play out the string. He says if he had more older guys that might be more of a concern, but he says the younger guys are just worried about improving.

The Shockers enter the final week with the lead but coach Mark Turgeon says there is still some work to do. He says they feel good with where they are at, but he says when you play for Drake you have to prepare for all their presses.

Turgeon says despite their recent struggles he expects the Bulldogs to play well. He says Drake is a challenge and plays well at home.