Drake - Western Kentucky Preview

West- Round One
Drake Bulldogs (5) Vs. Western Kentucky Hilltopers (12)
Friday, March 21 @ 12:30 pm
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Drake -4

Somehow the Drake Bulldogs (15- 3 MVC, 28- 4 overall) are going to the Big Dance. Somehow they’re rated 24th in the nation. It’s not that they haven’t earned it. They have. It’s just a surprise to almost everyone, including coach Keno Davis. Of course with a first name like “Keno” chance occurrences and luck are bound to be a part of your makeup.

Four Drake, starters averaged double-digit point contributions each game and four guys grab four or more rebounds per contest. Guard Josh Young (15.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG) is the team’s three-point guy, hitting 45%. He and guard Leonard Houston (14.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG) are fine on defense, together averaging 2.7 SPG. Forward Jonathan Cox (11.8 , 8.3 RPG) is the team’s leading rebounder and their best shot from the field. Point guard Adam Emmenecker (8.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 6.2 APG) sets up the plays and the team’s success.

It’s been five years since the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (16- 2 Sun Belt, 27- 6 overall) have been to the Big Dance. They got there by winning the conference tournament, beating Middle Tennessee State 67- 57.

For the Toppers, swingman Courtney Lee (20.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.7 SPG) is the go-to guy. He’ll use his athleticism and smarts to make points happen. He can hit from anywhere. Point guard Tyrone Brazelton (13.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.6 APG) will set him and others up for success. Another guard, A.J. Slaughter (7.6 PPG, .431 3-PT%) is the team’s best shooter from downtown. Under the boards, Jeremy Evans (5.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG) is the primary rebounder.

The Toppers have vastly improved on defense, forcing turnovers on 24% of opponents’ possessions (12th nationally). Plus, they’ve allowed the fewest points per game (65.1 PPG) since their 2000- 2001 season.

Drake was supposed to finish ninth, instead the Bulldogs placed first in the regular season and then won their tournament. The Hilltoppers are at a place they haven’t been in years. If Western Kentucky can play their signature “D,” the day may be theirs.

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