GAME NOTES: The 20th-ranked Drake Bulldogs are set to collide with the Wichita State Shockers in Missouri Valley Conference action. Wichita State owns a disappointing 11-18 record, including a 4-13 mark against MVC opposition. The Shockers did manage to halt a four-game losing skid on Tuesday by beating Evansville in a 68-54 final. That win came at home, but the team is just 2-9 in true road games. As for Drake, it dropped an 86-83 decision to Missouri State on the road on Thursday. There is certainly cause for concern among fans of the Bulldogs, as they have lost three of their last five outings after only losing one of their first 23 contests. Still, they are 13-1 at home and figure to play with confidence this afternoon. Drake beat Wichita State back on December 29th, 62-54, but the Shockers still own a commanding 89-43 lead in the all-time series.

Wichita State is putting up only 62.4 ppg this season on 42 percent shooting from the floor, including 30.6 percent accuracy from three-point range. The Shockers are outrebounding foes by 6.4 rpg and have been a strong defensive team, but those positive aspects have been overshadowed by lackluster offensive play. In the 14-point win over Evansville earlier this week, PJ Couisnard scored 25 points for Wichita State. Ramon Clemente was effective as well, as he netted 12 points to go along with 10 rebounds. The Shockers earned a 39-21 rebounding advantage in the clash, including a 15-4 edge on the offensive glass. They also outscored the Aces 19-12 at the foul line.

All five starters scored in double figures for Drake in the narrow loss to Missouri State last time out. Josh Young led the way in the setback with 18 points, and both Leonard Houston and Jonathan Cox pitched in 17 points. Klayton Korver had 16 points, and Adam Emmenecker tallied 10 points to go with seven assists. Shaky defense led to the setback, however, as the Bears were able to connect on 59.6 percent of their field goal attempts, including a staggering 9- of-14 effort from three-point range. Young is scoring 16.6 ppg this season on the strength of his 46.4 percent shooting from three-point range. Houston checks in with 14.2 ppg, and Cox adds 11.8 ppg and 8.4 rpg. Drake is generating 73.1 ppg while limiting the opposition to just 61.6 ppg.

After losing to Missouri State on the road, Drake is certainly eager to get back home and back to winning. Expect the Bulldogs to cruise past the Shockers, who have struggled mightily this season.