- Drake Bulldogs claim third straight Missouri Valley Conference championship
- Bennett Stirtz scores 24 points with 5 three-pointers
- Bradley’s second-half shooting plummets to 28% from the field
- Bulldogs earn eighth NCAA Tournament bid in program history
- Drake finishes season with dominant 30-3 overall record
The Drake Bulldogs cemented their legacy as a Missouri Valley Conference powerhouse with a decisive 63-48 victory over Bradley in the Arch Madness final. Bennett Stirtz delivered a career-defining performance, netting 24 points while connecting on five three-pointers. The Bulldogs’ lockdown defense held Bradley scoreless for nearly nine critical minutes spanning both halves, turning a narrow 27-24 deficit into a commanding 37-27 lead.
Bradley’s early offensive efficiency – shooting 52% in the first half – dissolved after halftime as Drake’s defensive adjustments took effect. The Braves managed just three field goals during the final 12 minutes, including a seven-minute scoring drought that sealed their fate. Tavion Banks provided crucial support for Drake with 13 points and nine rebounds, showcasing the team’s balanced attack.
This championship marks Drake’s first MVC regular-season title since 2019 and extends their conference tournament dominance. The Bulldogs’ 30-3 record represents their best winning percentage (.909) in program history, positioning them as a potential Cinderella team in the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Darian DeVries becomes the first MVC coach to win three consecutive Arch Madness titles since 2016.
Regional sports analysts highlight Drake’s growing influence in Midwestern basketball. The Bulldogs’ sustained success has increased ticket sales by 42% over three seasons and boosted merchandise revenue across Iowa. This championship run particularly resonates in Des Moines, where youth basketball participation has grown 27% since Drake’s 2021 NCAA Tournament appearance.
Three key factors propelled Drake’s victory:
- Second-half defensive intensity limiting Bradley to 28% shooting
- Superior three-point efficiency (8/18 vs Bradley’s 3/15)
- Dominant 32-24 rebounding advantage
As Drake prepares for March Madness, sportsbooks project them as a potential 10-12 seed. Their combination of veteran leadership and tournament experience makes them a dangerous matchup for higher-seeded opponents. The Bulldogs’ three-peat achievement solidifies the Missouri Valley Conference’s reputation for competitive parity and postseason-caliber teams.
