DRAKE (2-1) at MILWAUKEE (3-1)

7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007

U.S. Cellular Arena, Milwaukee, Wis.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
Drake Bulldogs: (Coach: Keno Davis, first year)
Pos. Player (Ht., Yr., Hometown) PPG RPG FG% FT%
G-5 Leonard Houston (6-3, Sr., Holland, Mich.) 18.3 3.0 .472 .800
G-15 Adam Emmenecker (6-1, Sr., Saginaw, Mich.) 5.0 5.7 .571 .875
G-20 Josh Young (6-1, So., Lawton, Okla.) 17.3 2.7 .552 .615
F-24 Klayton Korver (6-5, Sr., Pella, Iowa) 5.0 3.7 .263 .667
F-31 Jonathan Cox (6-8, Jr., Barrington, Ill.) 13.0 8.0 .536 .778

Top Reserves
F-2 Alex White (6-6, Jr., Albuquerque, N.M.) 7.0 5.7 .529 .429
F-4 Brent Heemskerk (6-8, Jr., Grand Rapids, Mich.) 4.3 1.0 1.000 .500
G-11 Jacob Baryenbruch (6-0, Jr., Spring Green, Wis.) 4.7 1.7 .500 .000
G-23 Josh Parker (6-0, Fr., Harvey, Ill.) 5.0 1.0 .667 .??
F-50 John Michael Hall (6-5, Jr., Moultrie, Ga.) 1.7 2.3 .071 .750

Milwaukee Panthers: (Coach: Rob Jeter, third year) PPG RPG FG% FT%
G-12 Allan Hanson (6-0, Sr., Milwaukee, Wis.) 2.7 1.7 .250 .500
G-20 Roman Gentry (6-4, So., Sioux City, Iowa) 3.0 10 .176 .600
F-25 Paige Paulsen (6-7 Sr., Custer, S.D.) 12.3 6.3 .500 .667
F-33 Tim Flowers (6-5, Fr., Chicago, Ill.) 9.7 4.3 .429 .625
F-55 Torre Johnson (6-6, Sr., Milwaukee, Wis.) 21.3 10.7 .471 .933

THE SETTING: After a 10-day layoff, Drake will resume action, traveling to Milwaukee Saturday as part of a return game in the ESPNU BracketBuster series. The Bulldogs earned an 84-76 home victory against Milwaukee last year.

It will mark the first time Drake has played a game in the state of Wisconsin since facing Marquette in the first round of the 1986 NIT.

Milwaukee opened a four-game homestand dropping a 73-66 decision to Northern Iowa Sunday. Milwaukee beat South Dakota State, 89-80, Wednesday and close out the homestand against Sam Houston State Tuesday (Nov. 27).

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT: The Panthers, who have three starters back from last year's 9-22 team, were picked to finish fourth in the Horizon League official preseason poll which included votes from coaches, sports information directors and media members who cover the league. Butler was the clear preseason favorite, receiving 42 of 46 first-place votes followed by Wright State and Green Bay.

Senior forward Torre Johnson, a transfer from Oklahoma State, has made his presence known, collecting double-doubles in all three games this season. Johnson had 19 points and 13 rebounds helping Milwaukee rally from a 17-point deficit in the second half to earn an 81-74 overtime victory at Ball State Nov. 4.

Senior forward Paige Paulsen was named to the Horizon League All-Newcomer team after averaging 11.3 points last year after transferring from Northern Illinois. Senior guard Allan Hanson, another returning starter, led the Panthers with 47 three-point baskets last year.

THE COACHES: Rob Jeter was named Milwaukee's 20th head coach in the spring of 2005 after serving the previous four years as associate head coach at the University of Wisconsin. Jeter served as captain of the Wisconsin-Platteville team that won the 1991 NCAA Division III national championship. He also was an assistant coach at Marquette in 1998-99. He is the son of former Iowa All-America football player Bob Jeter who is a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

In his first season as head coach, Jeter led Milwaukee to a 22-9 record, its third straight Horizon League regular season title and its second straight berth in the 2006 NCAA Tournament. The Panthers beat Oklahoma (82-74) in the first round before being eliminated by eventual national champion Florida (82-60) in the second round.


A new era in Drake University basketball is underway with Keno Davis being named the school's 24th head men's basketball coach on March 21, 2007. Keno succeeds his father, Dr. Tom Davis, who retired as head coach but remains at Drake as a special assistant to the athletic director.

Keno Davis served six years as an assistant coach under former Drake head coach Gary Garner at Southeast Missouri State, before being named the first assistant to join the men's basketball coaching staff at Drake under Tom Davis on May 19, 2003.

He also served as an assistant coach at Southern Indiana from 1995-97 under coach Bruce Pearl who is now the highly successful coach at the University of Tennessee.

Keno earned a bachelor of arts degree in communications studies from the University of Iowa in 1995.

THE SERIES: The series is tied at 1-1 with Wisconsin-Milwaukee winning the inaugural meeting, 47-46, Jan. 18, 1992, at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa.

THE LAST TIME: Drake 84, Milwaukee 76 (Feb. 17, 2007 Des Moines, Iowa) ? Senior guard Nick Grant scored a career-high 22 points to pace a balanced scoring attack as Drake rallied from a 16-point deficit as part of the O'Reilly ESPNU BracketBuster series.

Drake forced Wisconsin-Milwaukee into a season high 25 turnovers, scoring 31 points off the miscues.The Bulldogs totaled 15 steals. with Grant collecting four and senior center Aliou Keita recording three thefts.

Drake closed out the game by making five of its last seven shots from the floor along with 10 of its last 11 free throws.

The hot streak by Drake started when freshman guard Josh Young sank a three-point basket from the left baseline with 7:46 left in the game to give the Bulldogs their first lead of the second half at 66-65. Then Young made two free throws to start an 11-2 run that broke a 68-68 tie. He ended the surge with a layup to stake Drake to a 79-70 lead. Grant scored eight points during a 4 minute 25 seconds span late in the game. Young finished with 11 points, including nine in the second half, as Drake had five players score in double figures. Senior guard Al Stewart and junior swingman Klayton Korver added 14 points apiece for Drake, while senior forward Ajay Calvin netted 13.

Drake shot 51.1 percent from the floor (24-47), marking the first time in 13 games that the Bulldogs shot better than 50 percent from the field.

The Bulldogs also hit a season high 32 of 43 free throws for 74.4 percent. Grant was 12 of 14 from the line, while Stewart hit eight of 13 shots.

With Drake owning a 28-19 lead, the Panthers went on a 27-2 run to grab a 46-30 advantage with 44 seconds left in the first half. The Bulldogs went 8 minutes 12 seconds without a basket before Grant ended the drought with a dunk and free throw with 35.6 seconds left.

Grant then stole then inbounds pass and fed Korver who drilled a three-point basket to pull Drake within 46-36. The Bulldogs tied a season high with 20 turnovers.

COMMON OPPONENT: Drake and Wisconsin-Milwaukee have one common opponent on the schedule ? Northern Iowa. Wisconsin-Milwaukee dropped a 73-66 home verdict to Northern Iowa Sunday (Nov. 19). Drake will host Northern Iowa Jan. 26 and play in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Feb. 16.

MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME: Senior guard Leonard Houston scored a career-high 23 points in just 13 minutes of playing time in Drake's last outing ? a 92-55 home victory past Cornell College Nov. 14. Houston made eight of 11 shots from floor, while collecting three steals, three rebounds and one assist.

It marked the second time in last three games, that he scored a career high after netting 21 in the season opener against UC San Diego.

IMPRESSIVE WEEKEND: Drake junior forward Jonathan Cox averaged 14.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocked shot, while shooting 50 percent (11-22) from the floor en route to leading Drake to a runner-up finish in the Saint Mary's Classic, including a near upset of host Saint Mary's in the championship.

He enjoyed a double-double against UC San Diego with 11 points, 10 rebounds in an 81-63 victory.

Cox came back with 18 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots in a 72-66 loss to Saint Mary's Saturday. He helped limit Saint Mary's first-team All-West Coast Conference forward Diamon Simpson to just one basket. Simpson was averaging 18.0 points and was the team's top returning scorer from the previous year (17.5 average).

LITTLE BIG MAN: Senior point guard Adam Emmenecker has enjoyed back-to-back career high efforts of seven rebounds against Saint Mary's (Calif.) and Cornell College. With 17 rebounds on the season, Emmenecker is well on his way to surpassing his entire 2006-07 season output of 33 boards.

TRIFECTA: Sophomore Josh Young tied a career high with 23 points in a 92-55 home victory past Cornell last Wednesday. All seven baskets were beyond the three-point arc to mark the first time a Drake player made seven three-point baskets in a game since Dontaie Smith made seven treys against Wichita State Jan. 11, 2001.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES: It took Drake guard Jacob Baryenbruch 10 games before he scored his first basket during the 2006-07 season after missing his first 13 shots -- all from three-point range.

But this season is a new story with the junior guard already having made four of nine shots from three-point range in Drake's first three games of the season.

STEADY PLAY: Drake senior point guard Adam Emmenecker opened the season by tying a career high with five steals in the season opener against UC San Diego and then grabbing a career high seven rebounds against Saint Mary's.

GUARD DUO KEY HOME OPENER: Senior guard Leonard Houston and sophomore guard Josh Young each scored 23 points, along with three steals, to pace the Drake men's basketball team to a 92-55 victory past Cornell College in its home opener last Wednesday night. It marked the seventh straight year Drake had won its home opener.

Houston set a career high in points, bettering his 21-point effort in Drake's season opening win past UC San Diego. Young matched his career high in points, but did set a career high with seven three-point baskets.

The Bulldogs hit 12 three-point baskets. Clinging to a 24-21 lead, Drake made seven of its next nine shots from the floor including four of five from three-point range, to erect
a 48-27 lead.

Consecutive three-point baskets from reserve guard Jacob Baryenbruch, Jonathan Cox and Young started the surge.

Drake shot 50 percent from the floor, hitting 32 of 64 shots. Freshman guard Josh Parker came off the bench to add 10 points.

Cox, making his first start of the season, also netted 10 points along with five rebounds and two blocked shots.

Drake outrebounded Cornell, 43-26, with junior transfer forward Alex White grabbing a game-high nine boards.

Drake collected 14 steals, while forcing Cornell into 21 turnovers. The Bulldogs scored 28 points off Cornell turnovers.

DRAKE IN KNAPP CENTER: Drake owns a 114-92 home record in the 15-year history of the Drake Knapp Center. The Bulldogs have won their last four home games dating back to last year. Drake is the only private school in the Missouri Valley Conference which plays its home games on an on-campus site.

DOGS SUFFER FIRST LOSS: Junior reserve forward Yusef Smith scored his only basket of the game on a layup followed by a free throw with 1:51 left that broke a 61-61 tie, giving Saint Mary's the lead for good en route to a 72-66 victory against Drake Nov. 10.

The Gaels, who have four starters back from last year's team which went 17-15, are picked to challenge perennial national power Gonzaga for the West Coast Conference title.

But scrappy Drake held its own against the taller Gaels erecting an eight-point lead in the second half before making only five of 23 shots in a 15-minute stretch.

The Bulldogs forced Saint Mary's into 22 turnovers and won the rebounding battle, 32-30. Drake also held first-team All-WCC forward Diamon Simpson, who was Saint Mary's leading scorer with an 18.0 average, to just one basket. Simpson also committed five turnovers against Drake.

The Bulldogs collected 10 steals with Young and senior guard Adam Emmenecker recording three apiece.

Saint Mary's sealed the victory by scoring five of its last eight points at the free throw line in the final 1:29.

Junior forward Jonathan Cox came off the bench to pace Drake with 18 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots. Sophomore guard Josh Young added 16 points for the Bulldogs before fouling out with 7 minutes 7 seconds left in the game.

There were 12 ties in the game before Smith's heroics. A layup by Drake guard Adam Emmenecker with 1:22 left cut the margin to 65-63.

But senior guard Todd Golden drilled a three-point basket to push Saint Mary's lead to 68-63 with 48 seconds left.

Cox then missed a layup and forced to foul, Drake saw Saint Mary's score its last four points at the free throw line. It was a tale of two halves for the Bulldogs. Drake shot 54.2 percent from the floor in the first half en route to a 38-35 halftime lead.

Young and Cox combined for 23 points in the first half, with Young scoring 13 points on five of seven shooting from the floor. But Drake shot just 30.3 percent in the second half, making 10 of 33 shots.

The Bulldogs also committed 10 turnovers in the second half, including six unforced errors.

A layup by junior transfer forward Alex White, from a pass by Emmenecker, gave Drake a 40-35 lead with 18:21 left. White then stole the ball from Saint Mary's Simpson and then fed Leonard Houston who made a three-point basket to give Drake its biggest lead of the game at 43-35 with 17:31 left. Houston scored 11 points for Drake.

HOUSTON KEYS OPENING WIN: Senior guard Leonard Houston scored a career-high 21 points to pace a balanced attack as the Drake earned a 81-63 victory past UC San Diego Friday to mark the successful head coaching debut of Keno Davis. It marked the seventh straight year the Bulldogs had won their season opener.

The Bulldogs had five players score in double figures with 6-foot 8-inch junior forward Jonathan Cox coming off the bench to collect a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Houston matched his career high with 12 points in the first half, while Cox tallied nine points as Drake enjoyed a 40-28 halftime lead.

Drake shot 52.9 percent from the floor, hitting 27 of 51 shots. The Bulldog pressure defense also caused havoc by forcing UC San Diego into 25 turnovers. Drake scored 25 points off those miscues.

Consecutive three-point baskets by Houston powered the Bulldogs to their biggest lead of the first half at 33-19 with 4:24 left.

Young finished with 13 points, while junior forwards Brent Heemskerk and Alex White each scored 11. White also grabbed seven rebounds for Drake which outrebounded UC San Diego, 34-26.

Midway through the second half junior reserve guard Jacob Baryenbruch hit two straight three-point baskets to trigger an 8-0 run allowing Drake to enjoy its first 18-point lead at 67-49 following a three-point basket at the top of the key by Cox.

A STARTING DEBUT TO REMEMBER: Even though Leonard Houston had appeared in 79 games entering this season, did you know that the season opener against UC San Diego marked the first time the senior guard had started a game in his collegiate career?

IT TAKES A THIEF: The Bulldogs collected 15 steals against UC San Diego with senior guard Adam Emmenecker tying a career high with five steals. Leonard Houston and sophomore guard Josh Young had three steals apiece. Drake collected 10 or more steals in nine games last year.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The Bulldogs' home opener with Cornell Nov. 14 marked the fifth time in the last six years Drake has played a small college team from Iowa during the regular season. The Bulldogs set a Missouri Valley Conference record outlasting Grinnell, 162-110, Dec. 11, 2002. Drake opened the 2003-04 campaign beating Simpson, 87-72, at home. The Bulldogs also trimmed Cornell (Iowa), 102-62, Nov. 30, 2005, and toppled Waldorf, 104-51, last season.

DRAKE IN SEASON OPENERS: With the victory against UC San Diego, Drake improved its record to 63-36 in season openers, having won their last seven season openers dating back to the 2001-02 season.

During that span Drake has opened the season playing in Honolulu, Hawaii (2001-02), as well as Fairbanks, Alaska (2006-07). Drake beat Sam Houston State in the first round of the 2001 Hawaii Nike Classic and stopped Southeast Missouri State, 78-51, in the first round of the Top of the World Classic in Fairbanks, Alaska.

When Drake beat Simpson (87-72) in its 2003-04 opener, Dr. Tom Davis became the first coach to win his Drake coaching debut since Howard Stacey guided the Bulldogs to a 123-71 home romp past Wisconsin-Platteville Dec. 1, 1971.

STATISTICS CAPSULE: The Bulldogs lost five players from last year's squad. Here is a breakdown of what is on hand for 2007-08. The statistical capsule includes:
Category Total Return Pct. Lost Pct
Scoring 69.0 28.8 .417 40.2 .583
Rebounding 36.0 17.2 .477 18.8 .522
Assists 402 144 .358 258 .642
3-Point Baskets 157 138 .878 19 .122
Steals 277 129 .465 148 .535
Blocked Shots 79 15 .189 64 .811

SIZING UP THE BULLDOGS: Drake hopes to continue the momentum from last year when the Bulldogs achieved the most victories (17) at the school since the 1986-87 season.

When the Bulldogs take the court this weekend they will be led by new coach Keno Davis, who takes over the program from his father ? the legendary Dr. Tom Davis, who accumulated 598 victories during a 32-year college coaching career.

Keno Davis will be surrounded by some familiar faces, along with a talented cast of newcomers.Graduation claimed starting forward Ajay Calvin, along with guards Nick Grant and Al Stewart

Calvin earned honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Conference honors last year while being the only player to rank in the top seven in the league in scoring (third, 16.3 avg.) and rebounding (seventh, 6.4 avg.). Both Grant, who led the MVC in steals (62-1.9 avg.), and Calvin were named to the MVC Most-Improved Team.

But Keno Davis can call on seven returning letterwinners, including five players who have had previous starting experience, with some new additions who will be expected to contribute quickly.

Opportunity will be knocking on the door for several players as Davis and his staff will rely upon the continued development of several upperclassmen who remain the key members of the team's core.

Drake set a State Farm MVC Tournament single-game record with 15 three-point baskets in a 101-96 first-round overtime victory against Evansville last year.

The nucleus of that perimeter attack is back, headed by six-foot 5-inch senior forward Klayton Korver and 6-1 sophomore guard Josh Young.

Korver, who ranks fourth on the school career three-point basket list (158), is the team's top returning veteran who looks to close his collegiate career on a high note after being hampered the past two seasons with a knee injury.

Korver made the 2003-04 All-MVC Freshman team but was redshirted in 2005-06 while recovering from knee surgery. He averaged 9.3 points last year, while leading the team with 63 three-point baskets. Korver made four or more three-point baskets in six games last year, including a career-high six treys en route to a career-high 23 points that sparked Drake to a 74-61 victory past Northern Iowa.

Young was one of two players named to both the MVC All-Newcomer Team and MVC All-Freshman team last season. He scored more points (342) than any freshman in The Valley. The three-time MVC Newcomer of the Week averaged 10.7 points, while saving his best for last. He scored in double figures in 10 of Drake's last 12 games, including a career-high 23 points with a career-high five treys, in the MVC Tournament win against Evansville.

Davis feels 6-1 senior guard Leonard Houston, who averaged 4.5 points last year, also will help Drake's perimeter attack. Junior guard Jacob Baryenbruch is a returning two-year letterwinner as well.

The backcourt will have to deal with the loss of point guard Stewart, who set a Drake single-season record for assists with 174 last year, including a MVC season-high 12 against Missouri State. Senior Adam Emmenecker, a three-year letterwinner as a point guard, could figure in the equation as well as newcomers.

In the front court, Davis will rely on 6-8 junior forward Jonathan Cox, a two-year letterwinner, along with 6-7 junior redshirt Brent Heemskerk and 6-5 sophomore Bill Eaddy. Cox averaged 5.6 points and 3.4 rebounds and was named to the All-Sun Bowl Tournament team after helping lead the Bulldogs to the championship crown. Cox scored a career-high 23 against Troy in the championship of the Drake Regency Challenge. Heemskerk averaged 5.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in 2005-06.

NEW KIDS ON BLOCK: Newcomers who are expected to contribute immediately are junior college transfers Alex White (Cochise College, Ariz.) and John Michael Hall (Abraham Baldwin College, Ga.) in the front court.

Ryan Daniels, a sophomore transfer from Butler (Kan.) Community College, and Josh Parker, a freshman from Thornton High School in Harvey, Ill., will see action in the backcourt

At 6-6, weighing 235 pounds, White earned All-Region I accolades while averaging 11.5 points and 9.1 rebounds to lead Cochise to 48 wins and two league titles the last two years.

"Alex gives us a big inside presence that we haven't had at Drake," said Davis. "He has a chance to be a good post player because of his quickness and strength."

Hall averaged 12.8 points while leading Abraham Baldwin College to a 27-5 record in 2006-07, including a No. 11 ranking in the final National Junior College Athletic Association Division I poll.

"Hall fits into our system well because of his athleticism and ability to run the court and stretch the defense," added Davis.

“We feel we have our most talented recruiting class coming in, but the question is how quickly they can learn and gain experience to be ready for the league."

CHALLENGING SCHEDULE: For the second straight year, Drake will play in a school record tying three regular-season tournaments to highlight a 30-game schedule for the upcoming 2007-08 season. The Bulldogs also played in three regular season tournaments during the 1986-87 season, participating in the Hawaii Pacific Tournament, while also competing in the Lobo Invitational in Albuquerque, N.M., and the Heritage Drake Classic.

The Bulldogs, under first-year head coach Keno Davis, will play eight games against teams which advanced to 2007 postseason play. The MVC schedule features four games against Creighton and Southern Illinois which competed in the 2007 NCAA Tournament. Drake also will play four contests against Bradley and Missouri State which also played in the 2007 NIT.

The Bulldogs meet Southern Illinois, which advanced to the semifinal round of the 2007 NCAA West Regional, in their MVC home opener Jan. 2.

There is the potential to play one more opponent ? Jackson State ? that competed in the 2007 NCAA Tournament, in the second round of the Drake Regency Classic.

ADDITION BY SUBTRACTION: Dr. Tom Davis might have retired as head basketball coach at Drake last March, but his successor -- his son Keno -- made sure to keep status quo the number of assistants with the last name of Davis.

Keno Davis retained both assistant coaches, associate head coach Chris Davis (no relation) and Justin Ohl, while adding another Davis to the mix in Rodell (also no relation).

“We got the law firm going ? Davis, Davis, Davis and Ohl,” Keno Davis joked.

Rodell Davis played for Tom Davis at Iowa and was someone Keno also wanted to add to his staff some day. Rodell Davis spent the past four years as the head coach at Laramie (Wyo.) County Community College.

DRAKE WINS EXHIBITION TUNE UPS: In a final tune-up before its season opener, senior forward Klayton Korver scored a game-high 19 points, including 10 in the second half, to pace Drake to a 69-51 exhibition victory past Southwest Minnesota State Nov. 3 in the Drake Knapp Center.

Korver made five of seven three-point baskets for the Bulldogs. Senior guard Leonard Houston added 16 points, along with five steals and two blocked shots.

Drake's pressure defense forced Southwest Minnesota State into 24 turnovers with the Bulldogs scoring 30 points off the miscues. Drake also limited Southwest Minnesota State to just 35.4 percent shooting from the field.

Sophomore guard Josh Young added 12 points, while grabbing a team-high six rebounds for the Bulldogs.


Drake 83, Central 29 (Oct. 31, 2007, Des Moines, Iowa) ? Junior transfer John Michael Hall came off the bench to score 17 points, pacing a balanced attack as Drake rolled to a victory past the NCAA Division III Dutch.

The Bulldogs' pressure defense forced Central into 33 turnovers, while holding the Dutch to just 25 percent shooting. Drake also collected 15 steals with junior forward Jonathan Cox leading the way with four. The Bulldogs scored 43 points off Central turnovers.

Drake raced to a 21-0 lead in the opening 6 minutes 56 seconds of the game before sophomore guard Justin Madsen broke the ice to get Central on the scoreboard on a three-point basket.

Central had more turnovers -- seven -- than field goal attempts (two) in the opening 4:30 of the game.

Josh Young scored seven of his 14 points during the opening surge by Drake. Freshman guard Josh Parker added 10 points for Drake.

The Bulldogs outrebounded Central, 62-27, with junior transfer Alex White grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds. Junior forward Brent Heemskerk and senior guard Leonard Houston added eight rebounds apiece for Drake.