The Drake Bulldogs could take a big step toward the regular season Missouri Valley Conference title when they visit Illinois State on Tuesday night. The Bulldogs are 11-0 in the Valley race and with a victory over the Redbirds would have a four game lead with just six to play.
Drake coach Keno Davis says he feels great to get an opportunity to still be at the top of the conference and go into Illinois State in a great environment. Davis says the Redbirds will give his Bulldogs all they want on their home court.
Davis says there are a number of tough games remaining, as there are no easy games in the conference, especially on the road. He say this game has a little more meaning as Illinois State is close to them in tech standings.
The Bracket Buster pairings will be out, tonight, and all signs point to a Drake matchup on the road against a Butler team that is also nationally ranked. Davis says you want to play the highest rated team that you can. Drake will be looking to sweep the season seasons from Illinois State after winning the first matchup in Des Moines.
Bulldog senior Leonard Houston says it was a tough fought game where a lot of guys stepped up, and he expects just as tough a game this time around. Houston says this will be a big chance for the Bulldogs to take command of the Valley race. He says a win would give them a bigger cushion and ease the pressure as far as the number of games needed to secure the conference title.
Drake is 20-1 and takes a 19-game winning streak into the contest.