Drake at Illinois State

It has been a magic carpet ride this season thus far for Drake as they have rattled off 19 straight. That will all come to an end tonight. It has been a season of narrow escapes for the Bulldogs as they have won by one point at Bradley, needed OT at Creighton and won by three at Evansville. They face their stiffest road challenge of the year coming to Illinois State tonight. The Redbirds have already given the Bulldogs a stiff challenge on the road, and led at the half before bowing by six. The Redbirds have a little streak of their own going as they are 11-0 at home and have won 13 straight here. They shoot well inside and out, and defend at under 40%. These teams match-up very well and with this being the biggest game of the year for the Redbirds and a marquee win with NCAA tourney implications, we look for the Redbirds to play their best game of the year and stay perfect at home.