The Drake University men's basketball team closes its non-conference schedule Friday, Dec. 22, evening when it hosts Maryland Eastern Shore at the Knapp Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Friday's contest will feature two road tested teams as Drake plays just its fourth game on its home court while the Eastern Shore Hawks play their sixth-straight road game and 12th road contest of the season. The Bulldogs return home with a 5-7 record while Eastern Shore is 3-10 after suffering a close, 55-49, loss at Iowa State Wednesday.
 
While on the road, both teams have been tested early and often. According to KenPom.com the Hawks have played the eighth-toughest non-conference schedule in the nation. Drake has played the 89th toughest with UNI and Illinois State being the only two Valley programs to play a tougher schedule to date.
 
In its previous three home games, Drake has averaged 91.0 points per game while shooting 47.7 percent from three-point range and connecting on 14.0 three-pointers per game.
 
Eastern Shore has averaged 55.5 points per game this season while shooting 35 percent from the field. Logan McIntosh leads the way for the Hawks with 10.6 points and 3.9 assists per game.
 
Following Friday's contest, the Bulldogs return to action Dec. 28 for their Missouri Valley Conference opener against Bradley. The MVC opener is also Dollar Night for the Bulldogs with advance tickets available for $1 through DrakeTix.com.