It is early in the Missouri Valley race but the Drake Bulldogs have already posted two impressive wins. Sophomore guard Josh Young poured in 24 points as the Bulldogs beat Valley pre-season favorite Southern Illinois 61-51 which snapped a 17 game losing streak to the Salukis.

Drake coach Keno Davis says experience was a plus against the Salukis’ pressure defense, he says they have a lot of experienced guys who have seen the Salukis’ pressure and wouldn’t have been able to win the game without that experience.

Davis on his post game show on KRNT, says despite the outcome, Southern is still the team to beat. He says it is tough to come on the road and win, and Southern had some things go against them including getting into foul trouble. Davis says someone asked him if the Bulldogs are now the team to beat, and he said, "No." He says the Salukis are still the team to beat until someone does otherwise.

Senior Klayton Korver added 13 points as the Bulldogs won their tenth straight and improve to 11-1 overall. Korver says they like playing together and trust each other to make plays. Korver says everyone played well in an "all-around great effort."

UNI is 2-0 in the Valley after a 64-51 win over Evansville. Adam Cook scored a career high 20 points to lead three UNI players in double figures. The Panthers sealed the win with a 13-5 run late in the second half. UNI won the game even though they were outrebounded.