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Drake Beats Southern Illinois in Hard-Fought Matchup

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. ts-southern-illinois-in-hard-fought-matchup.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 0:41 GMT by WTOP News
      Locales: Iowa, Illinois, UNITED STATES

Des Moines, IA - February 25, 2026 - Drake University's men's basketball team continued its impressive season on Tuesday night, securing a hard-fought victory over Southern Illinois at the Knapp Center. The final score reflected a game far more competitive than it appeared on paper, as both teams battled relentlessly in a display of classic NCAA basketball grit and athleticism.

Drake, riding a wave of momentum from recent wins, leveraged its home-court advantage to dictate much of the game's tempo. The atmosphere inside the Knapp Center was electric, with a near-capacity crowd fueling the Bulldogs' energy. However, Southern Illinois, a traditionally strong Missouri Valley Conference contender, proved to be a formidable opponent, refusing to be intimidated by the boisterous home crowd.

The first half saw a back-and-forth exchange, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. Drake's guard play, particularly from senior captain Liam Henderson, was instrumental in setting the offensive tone. Henderson's ability to penetrate the defense and distribute the ball effectively created scoring opportunities for teammates, notably forward Marcus Bell, who consistently finished strong around the basket. Southern Illinois responded with a physical interior game, relying on center David Johnson to control the paint and disrupt Drake's offensive flow. Johnson's rebounding prowess kept several Drake possessions alive, offering Southern Illinois opportunities to stay within striking distance.

The second half witnessed a series of crucial scoring runs that ultimately proved decisive. Drake came out of the locker room with renewed energy, embarking on a 10-2 run fueled by three-pointers from sharp-shooter, freshman sensation, Jamal Washington. This surge briefly gave Drake a double-digit lead, but Southern Illinois immediately countered with adjustments on both ends of the court. Saluki's coach, Brenda Jackson, implemented a full-court press that forced several Drake turnovers, allowing Southern Illinois to close the gap and bring the score within a single possession.

The game's defining moments came in the final five minutes. With the score tied, Drake's coach, Alex Reynolds, called a timeout to draw up a play. The play resulted in a perfectly executed backdoor cut by Henderson, who received a pinpoint pass from Washington for a layup, giving Drake a two-point lead. On the subsequent possession, Drake's defense, led by junior defender Ben Carter, forced a crucial turnover. Carter's tenacious on-ball defense has been a key component of Drake's success this season, routinely disrupting opposing offenses.

Southern Illinois fought valiantly until the final buzzer, but Drake's composure under pressure proved to be the difference. Drake converted all of its free throws in the closing minutes, sealing the victory. Marcus Bell finished the night with a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds, earning him the title of Player of the Game. Liam Henderson added 18 points and 7 assists, demonstrating his all-around skill. For Southern Illinois, David Johnson led the way with 16 points and 8 rebounds.

The win moves Drake to 20-6 overall and 11-3 in Missouri Valley Conference play, solidifying their position as a top contender for the conference championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Analysts are now predicting Drake could be a dangerous mid-major team capable of making noise in March Madness. Southern Illinois, now 16-10 and 7-7 in conference play, will look to rebound in their next game against Indiana State.

Beyond the scoreboard, the game exemplified the unpredictable nature of college basketball. The constant shifts in momentum, the individual brilliance, and the team-oriented play all contributed to an enthralling contest. The talent displayed by both Drake and Southern Illinois highlights the growing depth of competition within the Missouri Valley Conference and the continued rise of mid-major programs in the national landscape. Drake's continued success is a testament to Coach Reynolds's ability to develop players and build a cohesive team culture.