In a thrilling basketball showdown, Drake's Bulldogs faced off against the North Dakota State Bison in a non-conference finale, ultimately falling short by a score of 99-94. The game was a showcase of intense shooting battles, with both teams displaying their offensive prowess. Drake's Eli Shetlar and Owen Larson ignited the offense with their three-point shooting, but it was the Bison's blazing hot shooting that stole the show.
NDSU's shooting accuracy was remarkable, as they hit an astonishing 73% of their shots from the field, including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc, giving them a commanding 20-13 lead early on. The Bison's Treyson Anderson added two more triples, extending their lead to 26-17. Despite Drake's efforts, the Bison's relentless offense kept them ahead.
The Bulldogs mounted a comeback, with Jaehshon Thomas and Jalen Quinn knocking down back-to-back three-pointers to cut the deficit to four. However, NDSU responded with a 10-2 run, reclaiming a double-digit lead. As the half progressed, the Bison's shooting remained scorching, and they raced to the locker rooms with a 14-point advantage, 55-41.
The second half saw a back-and-forth battle, with Drake's Andrew Alia finding his touch from beyond the arc. But NDSU's three-point shooting kept them in the lead, forcing another timeout. The Bison's 17th three-pointer of the game gave them their largest lead, 80-62.
Drake's resilience shone through as they slowly chipped away at the deficit. With 3:50 left, Alia's three-pointer brought them within 92-86. Another Alia three-pointer with 29.6 seconds remaining cut the lead to 98-93. Despite Drake's valiant effort, a final free throw by Damari Wheeler-Thomas sealed the Bison's victory.
Head coach Eric Henderson praised the Bison's performance, acknowledging their exceptional shooting. He emphasized the need for Drake to find their identity, especially defensively, to counter their opponents' rhythm. Despite the loss, Drake's individual performances stood out, with Jaden Quinn leading the team in scoring and assists, and Okku Federiko and Eli Shetlar making significant contributions.
The Bulldogs now shift their focus to the Missouri Valley Conference, gearing up for their first league contest against Murray State on December 18. The team's overall record stands at 6-5, with a 3-4 home record this season. Drake's home court has been a formidable advantage, with a record of 102-15 since the 2018-19 campaign. The Bulldogs' offensive prowess is evident, with a 51.9% shooting percentage from the floor and a remarkable 51.9% from three-point range.
This game marked a significant milestone as North Dakota State secured their first victory in the eight meetings between the schools. Drake's record against the Bison in Des Moines remains strong at 6-1. The series highlights the competitive nature of these teams, with Drake's home court advantage proving crucial in their previous encounters.
