(Omaha, NE) – While the Drake Bulldogs were able to make it to the NCAA Tournament, they will continue to be in search of their first victory in the Tournament since 1971. Washington State was able to capture the 66-61 victory over the Bulldogs to move on to the round of 32 teams and will face off against #2-seed Iowa State.
The Cougars were led on the night by Isaac Jones who tied for the game-high with 20 points and snagged 11 rebounds for a double-double and had two blocks on the night. Coming up right behind was Jaylen Wells who shot 6-11 from the hardwood while knocking down 17 points and snagging nine rebounds. Scoring single digits on the night was Andrej Jakimovski who snagged six rebounds and scored nine points. Shooting just 3-12 from the field was Myles Rice who had a total of nine points and whipped out three assists.
On the opposite side for Drake, the Bulldogs were led on the night by Atin Wright who tied with Jones for the leading scorer with 20 points while shooting 8-14 from the field. MVC Larry Bird Player of the Year, Tucker DeVries, scored 14 points while dishing out six assists while hauling in three boards. Darnell Brodie was the last double-digit scorer with 13 points and snagged nine rebounds while earning the Bulldogs’ only three blocks on the night.
Drake led in points in the paint 26-22 while also leading in assists with an 18-12 advantage. Washington State led in practically every other category including fast break points 16-9, second chance points 13-6, and bench points 9-4.
Drake finishes the 2023-24 season with a 28-7 record while finishing 16-4 in MVC play. Every Valley team is now out of the NCAA Tournament, but both Indiana State and Bradley remain in the Men’s NIT.
