The 62nd meeting between Iowa and Drake is tonight and the Bulldogs will try to snap a string against the Hawkeyes for the second straight year. Drake downed the Hawkeyes 77-59 a year ago in Des Moines to snap a 27 game losing skid in the series and will try to post their first win in Iowa City since 1967.
Drake coach Keno Davis says with Tony Freeman back in the lineup the Bulldogs will be facing the Iowa team that beat UNI and not the one that lost at Iowa State. Davis says Freeman is "an exceptional player" that gives the Hawkeyes a chance to break you down and take it to the basket, while also being able to shoot the ball well to make a tough combination.
Davis says Freeman gives Iowa much more punch on offense and also provides leadership and experience. Davis has returned twice to Iowa City while serving as an assistant at Drake for his father, Tom Davis. This will be his first trip as a head coach. He says the University of Iowa is a "very special place" after watching his father’s games and going to school there.
Davis says once the ball is tipped up, they’ll do their best to compete and win. The Bulldogs are 8-1 and off to their best start in 28 years. Iowa coach Todd Lickliter says the Hawkeyes will need to extend beyond the three point line on defense. Lickliter says as he watched them he thought about the plan to move the three point line back next year. He says Drake won’t worry if the line is moved back because they shoot well and shoot deep.
Lickliter says the Bulldogs’ style of play has helped Keno Davis transition into the head coaching role. As he says Davis has been part of the system for so long with his father and has made adjustments that are working well. Iowa leads the all time series 53-8.