Des Moines, Iowa — The Drake University men’s basketball team is set to how Missouri Valley Conference foe Valparaiso on Thursday Dec. 2, for their lone conference game of the month. Tipoff is set for 8pm.
The Bulldogs return to Des Moines after a three-game losing-streak at the ESPN Events Invitational in Orlando, Fla. over the Thanksgiving holiday. In their most recent matchup, Drake fell in the final seconds to North Texas, after a late foul was called against the Bulldogs.
Freshman Tucker DeVries attempted a half-court shot with two seconds left on the clock but was unsuccessful in tying the game. DeVries recorded a season low five points against the Mean Green.
Senior Tremell Murphy led the Bulldogs throughout the Invitational. He led the team in scoring against Belmont (18) and North Texas (13).
Senior Garrett Sturtz led the Bulldogs rebounding efforts, as he collected a career high of 11 against Belmont on November 25.
Valpo is on a two-game winning streak after defeating Trinity Christian on Nov. 27, 106-69. The Beacons are led in scoring this season sixth year Trevor Anderson and Sheldon Edwards.
Anderson, a transfer from UW-Wisconsin, recorded 17 points against Trinity Christian and 13 against Tulane. He also is one of the team’s leading rebounders this season.
Edwards recorded a career high 23 points against Tulane.
Valpo leads the all-time series 8-6 with the Drake. the Bulldogs have won three of the last five meetings against the Beacons.
In the two teams last meeting on Feb. 2, 2021, the Beacons handed the Bulldogs their first loss after going 18-0 during the 2020-21 season. Valpo topped the then undefeated Bulldogs 74-57.
Roman Penn led the Bulldogs with 19 points, while Ben Krikke led the Beacons with 15.
After playing their lone conference game of the month, Drake will host St. Thomas on Sunday Dec. 5 at 2pm.
