Drake Bulldogs - 16-4, 7-2 in the Missouri Valley
After heading south, our next stops in the column are in the valley, the Missouri Valley. The Drake Bulldogs are once again in contention for a league title with a 7-2 mark and 16-4 overall record after losing to Missouri State in their last game. Their other league loss came at Belmont 87-65, but they rebounded nicely with a double-digit win of their own over fellow conference contender Indiana State.
In the non-conference, the Bulldogs have back-to-back wins over Saint Louis and a win over Nevada that is looking better and better. Leading the Bulldogs to another stellar start is Tucker DeVries who is playing like he wants the Player of the Year trophy to stay right where it is for another year. The junior is averaging 20 points with 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals.
Like all the other teams on this list, strength of schedule is an issue for the Bulldogs. Their overall SOS is at 268 but their non-conference strength of schedule is even lower at 307, which may ultimately be the biggest roadblock to an at-large bid for Drake. Another problem for Drake is that all four of their losses are of the quad 3 variety, but by the time postseason play comes along, two of them, Belmont and UAB could find their way into quad 2.
The good news for the Bulldogs’ at-large hopes is their 50 NET rank, their metrics average of 53.5, and their unblemished record in the first two quads. If Drake can march through MVC play including a potential regular-season sweep of Indiana State, their at-large resume may end up closer to the top of the pile in the committee room.