In a tense first-round NCAA tournament matchup, 11th-seeded Drake, led by Bennett Stirtz's 21 points, held off a late push from sixth-seeded Missouri to win 67-57. The Bulldogs relied on their formidable defense and strong rebounding from Tavion Banks, who contributed 15 points and nine rebounds. Despite a significant lead diminishing, Drake managed to outlast Missouri, ending a four-game NCAA first-round losing streak and setting up a second-round game. The importance of their Division II transfers was highlighted in their performance against a higher-seeded team.
The Bulldogs made every shot a chore, and at the other end, they patiently probed for openings. Usually it was Stirtz -- one of the Northwest Missouri State quartet who followed McCollum to Drake -- who was knocking down a 3 or driving to the rim.
Drake answered with six consecutive points to restore its cushion, and the Tigers, who had lost four of its last five entering the tournament, were unable to finish their comeback.
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