Missouri Valley Basketball: Drake’s win over Miami high-lights 1st day of MTE action

Drake’s defense was better than Miami’s offense and the Missouri Valley Conference team stopped the Atlantic Coast Conference team 80-69 to jump start the multi-team event season. This is the first ‘power conference’ win by an MVC team this year. 

The Bulldogs defeated an ACC team for the first time in just over five years and first year coach Ben McCollum’s team is 4-0. After winning 394 games at the Division 2 level, McCollum has seamlessly jumped into the big time of college hoops. 

Drake never trailed during their upset win and its top three scorers were all with McCollum at Northwest Missouri State last season. While Bennett Stirtz led the way with 21 points, Daniel Abreu recorded a double-double (18 points & ten rebounds). Mitch Mascari contributed 15 points, including three long distance buckets. 

The power conference win is Drake’s first since December of 2022 and now the Bulldogs prepare for Florida Atlantic in second round action at the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic. Game time is 10:30 am and can be seen on ESPN2. 

James Madison turned a tight game (45-41 at the half) into a sizable victory over Illinois Chicago in first round action of the Boardwalk Battle. UIC’s defense struggled to contain JMU’s Bryce Lindsay who poured in 28 points, making five of six long distance shots. The Flames fell to 3-2.

Ahmad Henderson II (17), Sasa Ciani (15) and Jordan Mason (10) scored in double figures for the Flames who now play La Salle at 10:00 am on Friday on FloCollge TV. La Salle (4-1) lost for the first time this season in the opening round. UC San Diego prevailed 72-67. The Boardwalk Battle is located in Estero, Florida. 

Bradley’s first round win at the Myrtle Beach Invitational raises the Valley’s MTE record to 2-1. The Braves defeated Texas State 82-68. During a battle of mid-major rivals the Braves made twelve three pointers and four players reaching double figures. 

Christian Davis led the way with a career-high 21 points. Darius Hannah (16), Zek Montgomery 13 and Duke Deen (12) were big offensive producers. Deen added eight assists. 

Bradley (4-1) takes on Wright State at 4:00 p.m. The Raiders defeated Princeton 80-62 behind the 27-point performance by Brandon Noel. Fans can watch the game on ESPNU.