It does not matter how tough the competition is, losing hurts your confidence and that’s where the Drake Bulldogs find themselves as the Missouri Valley Conference nears the midway point.

After a non conference slate that saw the Bulldogs beat Iowa and Iowa State in the same season for the first time since 1978 and win two tournaments, they now stand 1-6 in the Valley after Monday night’s 72-62 loss at Southern Illinois.

Drake coach Tom Davis is trying to remain positive, as he says it does wear you down, especially the young guys. Davis says that’s what the league is all about, it has gotten better from top to bottom..

After a 9-2 start to the season the Bulldogs are now 10-8 and next up host Indiana State on Thursday night. Davis says while they’ve improved, other teams have improved more.