Drake Stuns Missouri in NCAA Tournament Upset
WICHITA, Kan. — No matter how extensively Missouri prepared or how many game films they examined, they realized that facing Drake meant simply trying to withstand their fierce play. Regardless of the bigger conference Missouri belonged to, the Bulldogs required opponents to struggle against a whirlwind of bodies and hope for survival.
As the sixth-seeded Missouri team faced the 11th-seeded Drake, their hope dwindled, particularly as Drake unveiled an impressive defensive strategy that had remained largely unrecognized before then. The Bulldogs’ ability to confound the Tigers became evident early, as they dominated the court.
Drake’s 67-57 victory stands out as one of the biggest surprises on the first day of the NCAA Tournament. While it was somewhat anticipated due to their reputation as the nation’s top scoring defense, Missouri was still the favorite going into the match. However, they faced a staggering challenge when Drake limited the Tigers to a mere seven field goals over the first 27 minutes and 46 seconds of the game.
Drake forward Cam Manyawu remarked, “Other teams don’t want to do the hard things. We thrive on those challenges, especially when the game gets tough.” Coach Ben McCollum emphasized their relentless work ethic, which he likens to being in the “deep end” of a pool, where the pressure can cause others to falter.
Respectfully, Missouri, a remarkable turnaround story, found itself overwhelmed. After trailing by as many as 15 points in the second half, they narrowed the margin to just one point with 4 and a half minutes remaining. However, hurried and ill-timed shots led to their downfall, allowing Drake to win its first NCAA Tournament game in 54 years.
Despite Missouri’s status as one of the best leagues, with notable victories in earlier games, they faced three losses during this tournament, showcasing the vulnerability of the SEC. The day’s results—a loss for both Missouri and Georgia against Gonzaga—signaled a potential setback for the expectations surrounding the conference.
Drake’s victory underscored their well-crafted game plan and execution, with standout performances from players like Bennett Stirtz, who led in scoring. As Drake celebrated its triumph, fans from this unassuming school chanted “Overrated, SEC,” highlighting their accomplishment against the odds in this thrilling tournament.
