As the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament tips off, the madness of March is in full swing. With the bracket unveiled on Selection Sunday, March 16, Drake University has punched its ticket to the Big Dance for the third consecutive year, a testament to the program’s rising consistency under first-year head coach Ben McCollum. The Bulldogs, fresh off a dominant Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Tournament run, enter as a No. 11 seed in the West region, set to face No. 6 seed Missouri in Wichita, Kansas, on Thursday, March 20. Here’s a look at how Drake might fare in the first round, their chances of sticking around for the second, and a nod to their past tournament adventures.
Drake’s First Round Test: No. 6 Missouri
Drake (30-3) rolls into the tournament on a high, having dismantled Bradley 63-48 in the MVC Championship on March 9 to secure the automatic bid. Led by MVC Larry Bird Player of the Year Bennett Stirtz (19.1 PPG, 5.7 APG, 2.2 SPG), the Bulldogs boast a dynamic offense that thrives on pace and perimeter play, complemented by a stingy defense that’s held opponents to under 40% shooting in conference play. Missouri (22-11), a battle-tested SEC squad, counters with a balanced attack and a knack for grinding out wins against tougher schedules.
This matchup pits Drake’s up-tempo style against Missouri’s physicality. The Bulldogs’ success hinges on Stirtz and sharpshooter Daniel Abreu stretching the floor—Drake’s 38% three-point shooting could exploit Missouri’s middling perimeter defense (opponents hit 34% from deep). However, Missouri’s edge in the paint and rebounding could expose Drake’s lack of size, a recurring issue in past tournaments. If the Bulldogs get hot early and dictate the tempo, they’ve got a real shot at the upset. I’d peg their chances at 45%—not a lock, but far from a long shot. Their 5-0 record against Quad 1 and 2 teams this season (per NET rankings) proves they can hang with higher-caliber foes.
Past Tournament Runs: A Legacy of Grit
Drake’s NCAA Tournament history offers both hope and context. The Bulldogs have been here before, with a mix of Cinderella moments and near misses:
- 1969-1971: The Golden Era
Drake’s deepest runs came in this stretch, highlighted by a third-place finish in 1969 (beating North Carolina 104-84 in the consolation game) and Elite Eight appearances in 1970 and 1971. These remain the program’s benchmarks, though they’re distant memories compared to the modern era. - 2021: A Play-In Victory
As an 11-seed, Drake edged Wichita State 53-52 in the First Four, only to fall 72-56 to No. 6 USC in the first round. It showcased their resilience but also their struggle against bigger, deeper teams. - 2023: A Close Call
A 12-seed Drake took No. 5 Miami to the wire, losing 63-56 in a defensive slugfest. Tucker DeVries (now at West Virginia) kept them in it, but Miami’s athleticism prevailed—a reminder of the fine line Drake walks in these games. - 2024: Another One-and-Done
Last year, the 10-seed Bulldogs fell 66-61 to No. 7 Washington State in the first round. A late comeback fell short, underscoring their difficulty closing out tight contests against power-conference foes.
This year’s squad feels different—30 wins (a program record) and a seamless transition to McCollum’s system signal a team peaking at the right time. Their 2019-esque upset potential is alive and well.
Second Round Hopes: A Tall Order
If Drake topples Missouri, they’ll likely face No. 3 seed Texas Tech in the second round on March 22. The Red Raiders, with their top-20 defense and versatile offense, present a steep challenge. Drake’s lack of frontcourt depth (no starter over 6’8”) could be glaring against Texas Tech’s size, and their reliance on outside shooting might not hold up over two games in 48 hours. The 2021 and 2023 losses to USC and Miami suggest that advancing past the first round remains Drake’s ceiling—barring a miraculous shooting spree or a favorable whistle.
I’d give them a 15% chance to reach the Sweet 16. Their style is built for one-off upsets, not sustained runs against elite teams. Still, in March, a hot hand can defy the odds, and Drake’s got the shooters to dream big.
Outlook: Bulldogs with Bite
Drake’s 2025 tournament journey starts with a winnable—but tricky—first-round clash. Missouri’s no pushover, but the Bulldogs’ momentum and offensive firepower make them a trendy upset pick. Fans should tune in at 6:35 p.m. CT on March 20 (TV TBD) expecting a nail-biter. A second-round berth isn’t out of the question, though history and matchups suggest it’s a steep climb. Win or lose, Drake’s third straight NCAA appearance cements their status as a mid-major force. For now, it’s one game at a time—let’s see if these Bulldogs can bark their way into the weekend.
