St. Louis, MO - With an attendance of 7,952 packing the Enterprise Center the Missouri Valley Conference Championship came down to 2 teams. The #1 seed Drake University and the #2 seed Bradley University. These teams split their regular season matchups. The first half was what was to expected from these 2 teams with 6 ties and multiple lead changes. Drake went in at halftime up 31-27. With starting forward Ahmet Jonovic seemingly limited on minutes Bradley relied on their bench to make up for the missed 7’1 Serbian Center. Bradley ended the first half on a 4 minute scoreless steak, which led into the 2nd half that started with another 4 minute scoreless streak. Drake being led by Junior Guard Bennet Stirtz, who was also the Larry Bird Missouri Conference Player of the Year, put up 24 points. Stirtz went 5-7 from the 3 point line and played all but the last 30 seconds of the game once it was well in hand. Drake carried the momentum most of the 2nd half. Bradley made a great effort late, but an interesting situation where both teams ended up on the free throw line and a long review ended their momentum run.

Drake would go on to win their 3rd straight Missouri Valley Conference title. Coach Ben McCollum is the 9th first year coach to win the MVC in their first year. Drake will now wait patiently for Selection Sunday to find out their fate in the NCAA tournament.