SWSiouxMN

I'd say Sueker is having a better showing tonight than previous outings. That's big going forward

Sueker dunk 40-32 Drake

The press has caused some issues for UND but honestly... it wasn't a bad half. Get Ihenacho going here.

Half Drake 36 UND 28

Igbanugo 3 32-26 Drake

Drake 32 UND 23 Media 2:22 1st

Sueker 2 FTs 28-23 Drake

Good 7-0 run

I would like to see more movement off the ball in the offense. I feel that there is too much standing around at times.

I personally believe that if it wasn't for COVID that this issue would have been rectified this season. We will see what happens in 21-22, however now with 2 less non-conference games because of the move up of St. Thomas Throw Dixie State in there as well. You have to hit those open shots. This certainly isn't a new issue for this team. They shot 32.4% from 3 as a team against D1 competition last year. (I took out the 3 non-d1 games) They had it last year as well. Even with Walter hitting 38% from 3. There are guys that can hit shots on this team, they just need to do it. Now are they going to be mistaken as dead-eye shooters? No. Can they certainly shoot way better than some of their percentages? Yes. I went back and calculated the 3 point percentage of the first 8 D1 games last year and compared them to this year: They are very similar (.302 vs .306) *Edit: I also did the same for overall FG percentage during that time and again, its similar (.422 vs .419) The only significant difference between the two right now? Free throws (.776 VS .633)

UND struggled on the offensive end in both games and dropped two decisions against the Salukis of SIU. Now UND looks to wrap up non-conference play (we think) with a trip to Iowa to take on the Drake Bulldogs About Drake: After a run towards the top of the conference two years ago, Drake took a step back and fell to the middle of the pack. This didn't stop them from making a run to the semi-finals of the MVC tournament and winning 20 games. It didn't help that one of their better players was suspended and then injured his knee. Despite this, there was much to look forward to. Until their big guy decided to transfer up to Minnesota. Now there was a hole in the middle and that was a big question going into the year. So far... what issue? Drake has roared out to an 8-0 start, including a 10 point win against Kansas State. The offense has shown some great balance with their guards and have gotten some help in the middle with the Seaton Hall transfer Darnell Brodie to provide that big bruiser that this squad needs if they are going to battle with some of the better bigs in the conference. They have played some Summit opponents this season in South Dakota and Omaha. They have beaten USD twice and beat Omaha as well. The conference season is almost here, and that is where the rubber will meet the road. They believe that they can charge back up the MVC and finish in the top 3 and compete with favorites UNI and Loyola. Will it happen? The answer will soon be known. About the Coach: Darian DeVries (52-24, 20-16 MVC, 3rd year) A few years back, when the Drake job opened up after Giacoletti resigned, the fanbased wanted DeVries. They went in Niko. When Niko left for Colorado State, they again clammored for DeVries. They finally got their man. The longtime Creighton assistant has had an impactful two years at Drake. He has delivered 2 20+ win seasons and already claimed a share of an MVC title. Last year was a little more difficulty in the MVC due to some circumstance out of his control, but back up another strong season with a deep run in the MVC conference tournament. They are off to another hot start this year, and they look to charge back up the MVC standings. They are dreaming of the days of Keno Davis and that NCAA tournament appearance. Could this be the year? UNI and Loyola will be tough but in 2020, anything is possible. Key Player: DJ Wilkins (6'2 Junior) I really could have picked a few players here, because Drake has some balance on their roster, but I am going to lean on this individual for one reason: He is one of the better 3 point snipers in the conference so far and has been red hot in the past few games. He will do most of the damage from behind the arc and his currently shooting 48% from 3, including a stunning 58% from 3 at HOME! UND is going to have to watch him carefully and have their hands up at all times. Series History: This is the 11th all time meeting between the two schools, with the series tied at 5 apiece. Drake has a 2-1 advantage in D1 play. All matchups in D1 play have been in Drake. Polls: Drake was picked 7th in the MVC. 2 spots below SIU Keys: 1) Get the offense going for a full 40 2) Get DAE legs underneath him 3) Take advantage of the lack of Drake Bigs The Call: Eventhough Drake was picked 7th in the MVC, I fully expect them to finish higher than their placement. They are off to another good start this year and looking to finish their non-conference schedule on a high note. This is what UND needs to focus on: Get the offense to play a good 40 minutes and string together some momentum heading into the conference season. Actually hit open shots, finish at the rim, no long scoring droughts. I see this going very similarity to the USD games that Drake played. Drake 80-65 Game is on the Plus

Losing to the Bears with Trubisky as the QB? No me gusta. Perhaps this means the Bears won't give up on him after all. Vikings are done, and I wouldn't be shocked if they lose out.

To win and lose the #1 draft pick in the process? Typical J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!

I guess in the end, it didn't matter.

Now do we question if Notre Dame gets in after this performance?

No, I think Clemson has to win.

What the heck Iowa state?

You have to wonder if Iowa State would have a better chance getting into the top 4 if they didn't fall to the Ragin Cajuns in their first game

I still have hope for G. Brady needs to develop a jumper. His hustle and knack for the small players are what you love but as others say, it can only get you so far. Ihenacho is going to be a good one, he has a lot of potential ooozing out of him. He is a walking triple-double waiting to happen Shockey will be fine, he's playing like a freshman. The game will slow down for him soon. I know it will get better and it will start to click more... but the one step forward this team took in Sioux Falls, feel like they took at least a half step back. Work needs to be done on the offensive side of the ball. Doesn't help to not have DAE right now. I hope he is good to go for Drake but if there is someone who wants it to be conference play, its him.

I'm a little discouraged again after this set of games. I'm not ready to sound the alarms yet, but I'm nearing the buttons.

Sounding like a 56 game season starting Jan 13th? Also saw this: Sources -- Canadian-based NHL teams may play in United States due to issues with health authorities (espn.com)

I'm watching back the first 5 minutes. I just watched Nero whiff on a wide. open. layup.

16-10 SIU Under 12 media

It didn't help that DAE wasn't in the starting lineup. When you have -Rebraca the only returning starter but now is the focal point -Sueker, who played D2 last year -Sims, who played JUCO last year -Nero, who only practiced with Weber last year -Ihenacho, who was playing in the South Suburban Conference last year. There is going to be struggles. Now... are they better now than they were about a month ago? Yes. Do they still have a ways to go? Yes. Do I like the depth of this team better than last year? Hell yes. Do some players need to step up and play better? Yes. I'd like to see if they can get 1 more game between Drake (12/22) and UMKC (1/2). They just need to play and practice and avoid getting bit.

The two big issues I have with the offense in the first half come down to two words -Selection -Finishing UND gets into these long droughts because their shot selection is rushed. They are taking shots that they can get later in the possession and potentially more in the flow of the offense. This can be caused by stagnation of offensive flow. I feed that UND needs to move more with and without the ball. UND has to finish better, if you are getting the open look, you have to bury it. You have to finish when you are taking it to the rack. When you have an WIDE OPEN layup, you cannot miss it. Defensively, UND has to handle the screen better. Too many times in the 2nd half, UND didn't switch and allowed the screener to slip. This caused another defender to have to come over to either cover the slip, leaving a wide open shooter, or the screener being wide open for a layup. G had a big game off the bench, he has strung together a couple of good games together. I'd like to see him get a few more minutes to see what he can do. He got about 17 tonight, lets see if he can get 13-17 minutes regularly and see what he does. I love the fact that this team got 19 assists. 7 players had 2 or more assists. We need more of that scoring from Nero. Sims is getting better, but the turnovers were too high. Sueker is still struggling a bit. the rust showed on DAE. Rebraca is Rebraca. Ethan and Brady had tough games.