Drake Bulldogs win NCAA Tournament game, advance further

WICHITA, Kan. — The Drake Bulldogs are making a mark in the NCAA Tournament. With a team made up mostly of Division II transfers, they secured a solid 67-57 win over Missouri in the first round. This victory allows the Bulldogs, who are the No. 11 seed, to advance to face third-seeded Texas Tech next. Bennett Stirtz played a key role in the game. As time ran out on the shot clock, he confidently made a long three-pointer that went in. "I don’t really know what I was doing there," he joked afterward. But their coach, Ben McCollum, knows exactly what his team is capable of. He previously led Northwest Missouri State to several championships before coming to Drake. McCollum praised his team's resilience and teamwork. He understands the value of their journey from Division II to this moment. Many players, like Stirtz and Isaiah Jackson, faced challenges finding opportunities at larger schools. They found a home and a winning culture at Northwest Missouri State. When McCollum became head coach at Drake, he brought several of his former players with him. He saw the potential in these "outsiders." “I brought winners with me,” he said, emphasizing their talent and tenacity. Now, the Bulldogs are proud of their achievements. They have set a school record for wins and have won both the regular and postseason titles in the Missouri Valley Conference. As they prepare for their next game, the team is hopeful. "We can go as far as we want to," Jackson said, expressing confidence in their ability to continue winning. The Bulldogs are eager to show that their hard work and teamwork can lead to even greater success in the tournament.