Drake travels to Wichita State

The Drake Bulldogs face a tough assignment as they visit Wichita State tonight in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Bulldogs are 2-6 in the Valley and it has been a frustrating season for senior point guard Lonnie Randolph whose scoring average has dipped to nine points per game this season.Drake coach Tom Davis says Randolph has struggled since the early part of the season, but says he has made some real progress in the last ten days. Davis says an effective player around the basket would help him out. He says that would take more pressure off the backcourt by making the defense more aware of playing the inside.After consecutive wins over Southern Illinois and UNI the Shockers lead the Valley race with a record of 6-1. They have already faced the Bulldog full court pressure once. Wichita State beat Drake in their first matchup in Des Moines back in December though coach Mark Turgeon says they will face a better team this time. Turgeon says after two emotional wins this is a dangerous to play the Bulldogs. He says it doesn’t matter if Drake is home or on the road, they play hard and play together. Drake is 6-10 overall.