WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Drake Bulldogs followed through 53-52 Thursday night against Wichita State during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
It was Bulldogs’ first NCAA Tournament win in a half-century. Drake’s previous tournament victory was 50 years ago to the day— March 18, 1971, against Notre Dame. The Bulldogs came in with 25 wins, second-most in the tournament.
Their tense matchup with a longtime Missouri Valley Conference rival brought some early drama to the pandemic-affected tourney. Wichita State had a chance to win at the buzzer but Alterique Gilbert settled for a long 3-pointer that hit the front rim.
The Bulldogs didn’t really ramp up until the latter part of the first half when Joseph Yesufu dunked on Wichita State’s Clarence Jackson.
Yesufu led the Bulldogs with 21 points. Wichita State’s Morris Udeze led the opposition with 22 points.
Thursday’s game was the first time the Bulldogs played during the NCAA tournament since 2008.
Drake University rewarded head coach Darian DeVries this week with an eight-year contract extension.
Drake vs Wichita State: NCAA men's basketball tournament
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