SWSiouxMN Posted December 21, 2020 Share Posted December 21, 2020 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 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nodak651 Posted December 22, 2020 Share Posted December 22, 2020 You mention DAE - is he playing for sure? Drake message board - https://www.drakenation.com/146037/North-Dakota-at-Drake-1222 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarnWinterSportsEngelstad Posted December 22, 2020 Share Posted December 22, 2020 2 hours ago, nodak651 said: You mention DAE - is he playing for sure? Drake message board - https://www.drakenation.com/146037/North-Dakota-at-Drake-1222 They think #SWSoiuxMN is a really smart guy, I agree !!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nodak651 Posted December 23, 2020 Share Posted December 23, 2020 My god do we look bad! Protect the ball! Why are we playing so fast when nobody can handle the ball? Maybe I'm spoiled by Crandall and Stewart, but this team badly needs a legit point guard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 Good 7-0 run Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UND1983 Posted December 23, 2020 Share Posted December 23, 2020 UND is on fire! Back in it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 Sueker 2 FTs 28-23 Drake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 Drake 32 UND 23 Media 2:22 1st Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 Igbanugo 3 32-26 Drake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 Half Drake 36 UND 28 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 The press has caused some issues for UND but honestly... it wasn't a bad half. Get Ihenacho going here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 Sueker dunk 40-32 Drake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 I'd say Sueker is having a better showing tonight than previous outings. That's big going forward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 Sims 2 FTs Drake 40-34 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 We are getting our butts kicked on the boards tonight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 If G gets that clean, its a layup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 turnovers are starting to hurt right now Timeout UND Drake 44 UND 34 15:49 to go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 Lets get Ethan loose on some 3's here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 We might as well open a bakery at this point Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 2 FTs for G 50-36 Drake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 2 more FTs for G 52-38 Drake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 UND has NOT handled this Drake pressure very well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 15 turnovers... uffda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 dear god 17 turnovers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWSiouxMN Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 Media Drake 60 UND 38 11:18 to go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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