Drake Bulldogs Pull Off Upset Victory Over Missouri in NCAA Tournament

The No. 11-seed Drake Bulldogs are off to the Round of 32 after an upset victory over the No. 6-seed Missouri Tigers, 67-57.

Mar 20, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Drake Bulldogs guard Isaia Howard (23) dunks against Missouri Tigers guard T.O. Barrett (5) in the first half of a first round men’s NCAA Tournament game at Intrust Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After finishing the regular season with an incredible 30-3 record, the No. 11-seed Drake Bulldogs managed to take down the No. 6-seed Missouri Tigers in round one of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, 67-57.

Junior guard Bennett Stirtz continued his phenominal stretch on offense, ending the game with 21 points and four assists. The veteran leader came into Thursday's contest averaging 19.1 points per game, which led all players in the Missouri Valley Conference. However, Stirtz couldn't have done it without an incredible performance from fellow junior Tavion Banks, as he ended with 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench.

Despite coming into the matchup as the underdogs, Drake's defensive efforts early on allowed for head coach Ben McCollum and his squad to hold on to a lead for a majority of the first half. Missouri was limited to just 18 points through the first 17 minutes of the game, which was the perfect counter for one of the best offensive teams in the country.

The intense defensive play from the Bulldogs carried into the second half, as they managed to break off a 13-5 run in the first seven minutes of the second half. This would quickly changed, however, as the Tigers' red-hot offense picked up steam from senior guard Caleb Grill and company. In addition to Missouri late-game surge, Drake's drought on the other side of the floor allowed for the Tigers to come within one with less than five minutes left, 52-51.

Lucky, the Bulldogs' slow-paced offense helped ice the game, as multiple defensive stops paved the way for Drake to secure the victory.

Drake is now set to take on the winner of No. 3-seed Texas Tech vs. No. 14-seed UNC Wilmington.

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