In a thrilling yet heartbreaking showdown, Drake's basketball team fell short in their non-conference finale, losing 99-94 to North Dakota State (NDSU) in a game that was as fiery as it was controversial. But here's where it gets controversial: Was it NDSU's unstoppable shooting or Drake's defensive lapses that truly decided the game? Let’s dive in.
On a snowy Saturday afternoon in Des Moines, Iowa, the Knapp Center was ablaze with energy as both teams ignited the court with scorching shooting. Drake’s Eli Shetlar and Owen Larson lit up the scoreboard early with a pair of three-pointers, but NDSU matched their intensity, shooting a blistering 73% from the field—including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc—to take a 20-13 lead by the 12:52 mark. And this is the part most people miss: Despite Drake’s valiant efforts, NDSU’s relentless offense kept them at bay, with Treyson Anderson’s back-to-back triples extending the lead to 26-17.
Drake fought back with an 8-0 run, fueled by Jaehshon Thomas and Jalen Quinn’s long-range precision, trimming the deficit to four. However, NDSU responded with a 10-2 surge, reclaiming a double-digit lead at 39-27 with 7:25 left in the half. By halftime, NDSU’s hot hand persisted, sinking four of their last six shots to lead 55-41—a 14-point advantage that matched Drake’s largest halftime deficit of the season.
The second half began with a breakneck exchange of baskets, as Andrew Alia caught fire with consecutive three-pointers for Drake. Yet, NDSU’s three-point barrage continued, pushing their lead to a game-high 18 points at 80-62. Drake refused to surrender, chipping away steadily and pulling within six points after Alia’s late three-pointers. But a final free throw by NDSU’s Damari Wheeler-Thomas with 11 seconds left sealed the Bison’s first-ever victory over Drake in eight meetings.
Here’s the bold truth: Drake’s 14 three-pointers on their home court should’ve been enough to secure a win, but NDSU’s record-setting 19 threes—just one shy of their school record—proved insurmountable. Drake head coach Eric Henderson praised NDSU’s performance but lamented his team’s defensive struggles, stating, ‘We need to continue to find ways to find our identity… especially defensively.’
Looking ahead, Drake (6-5) shifts focus to Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play, starting with a road game against Murray State on Thursday, Dec. 18. But the question remains: Can Drake tighten their defense in time to compete in the MVC, or will their struggles persist? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is Drake’s defense their Achilles’ heel, or can they turn it around?
Team Highlights:
- Drake shot 51.9% from the field and an impressive 51.9% from three-point range, yet still fell short.
- The Bulldogs outrebounded NDSU 33-27 but committed costly turnovers, leading to 23 points for the Bison.
- NDSU’s 19 three-pointers were just one shy of their school record, set last year.
Individual Standouts:
- Jaden Quinn led Drake with 24 points, including a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line, tying a school record.
- Eli Shetlar scored a career-high 16 points in his first collegiate start, while Andrew Alia added 15 points with four threes.
- Wilguens Jr. Exacte, battling illness, contributed six points and six rebounds off the bench.
This loss marks Drake’s second straight and their first when making 10 or more three-pointers. Meanwhile, NDSU celebrated their first-ever win against Drake, snapping a seven-game losing streak in the series. So, what’s your take? Was this NDSU’s game to win, or did Drake let it slip away? Share your thoughts below!
