TREMELL MURPHY

– Joseph Yesufu scored 21 points and Drake beat Wichita State 53-52 on Thursday night in the First Four, the Bulldogs' first NCAA Tournament win in a half-century. Wichita State left for the American Athletic Conference in 2017. Both mid-major powers were given at-large bids into the NCAA field, and their matchup was dominated by defense — Drake shot 38% while Wichita State shot 34%. We just didn’t get it done tonight.”Drake missed 10 straight shots as Wichita State built an early 18-6 lead. Wichita State was scoreless for the last five minutes of the half.

20 Loyola Chicago to a 75-65 win over Drake in the Missouri Valley Conference championship game Sunday for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Keith Clemons added 13 points for Loyola, which has won six in a row and 17 of its past 18. Loyola Chicago, which hit 10 of 24 shots (63%) in the opening half, won its three tournament games by a total of 50 points. BIG PICTURELoyola Chicago: Heading to the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time and first since the 2018 team reached the Final Four. UP NEXTChicago Loyola: Will be making its second NCAA Tournament appearance in the past 31 years.

Earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament won't pull Drake out of its financial hole, but every little bit helps. Earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament won't pull Drake out of its financial hole, but every little bit helps. The cancellation of the NCAA Tournament last year because of the pandemic forced the association to slash its revenue distribution to schools and conferences by $375 million. Streaking San Diego State (NET 19) is looking good, but if the Aztecs win the Mountain West tournament, that could leave Colorado State (NET 40), Boise State (NET 43) and Utah State (NET 47) outside the field. A-10 Commissioner Bernadette McGlade said she is not as concerned about the potential loss of NCAA Tournament revenue as the loss of exposure.