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Drake University Athletics

Illinois State Visits For MVC Showdown

Men's Basketball Drake Athletics

Illinois State Visits For MVC Showdown

Two teams seeking to end their respective Missouri Valley Conference losing streaks will collide on Tuesday (Jan. 18) as Drake hosts Illinois State at 7:06 p.m. in the Knapp Center.  Mediacom Connections 22 will televise the game with Larry Morgan and Al Lorenzen calling the action.

THE SERIES:
  Drake is meeting Illinois State for the 73rd time in school history.  The Redbirds own a 46-26 series advantage, despite the Bulldogs posting victories in four of the last seven games.  In the last meeting, Drake suffered an 71-68 road setback on Feb. 6, 2010.

IN OUR LAST MEETINGS:
Illinois State 71, Drake 68 (Feb. 6, 2010)
NORMAL, ILL. - 
Josh Young became Drake's career scoring leader scoring a season-high 22 points but the Bulldogs came up short in dropping a 71-68 decision to Illinois State.

Drake used an 11-3 run to rally from a 62-56 deficit with 3:23 left to grab a 67-65 lead following a three-point basket by Young with 49.1 seconds left.

Illinois State answered with a three-point basket from Lloyd Phillips to regain the lead at 68-67 with 23.3 seconds remaining.

Young penetrated the right side of the key but missed a scoop shot with 11.5 seconds left and fouled Illinois State's Osiris Eldridge who grabbed the rebound.

Eldridge missed his first free throw but sank the second, pushing the Redbirds' advantage at 69-67.

Young penetrated the paint again on Drake's next possession and was fouled with 0.8 seconds remaining.  Young sank the first free throw to pull Drake within 69-68 but waited nearly three minutes to attempt his second shot.

Illinois State used a 30-second time out to freeze Young before the officials took over two minutes viewing the television monitor on the scorer's table to adjust the time on the scoreboard clock back to 1.1 seconds.

Young had his second attempt rim out, falling in the hands of Eldridge who was fouled by Aaron Hawley with 0.5 seconds left.

Eldridge made both free throws to push the Redbirds' margin to 71-68. A shot by Ryan Wedel from 40 feet fell short.

Young made two free throws with 7:53 left to tie the game at 52-52, surpassing Red Murrell as Drake's career scoring leader.

Murrell had scored 1,657 points from 1955-58. Young, who entered the game ranked third on the Drake charts, pushed his career totals to 1,665 points.

Young also collected seven rebounds, while dishing out five assists.

Adam Templeton added 15 points and five rebounds for Drake. Templeton sparked Drake's comeback by hitting a three-point basket from the left baseline with 1:27 left to tie the game at 64-64.

The Bulldogs shot 52 percent from the floor, making 13 of 25 shots, while enjoying the lead the entire first half.

Wedel scored nine points in the opening eight minutes. He made the game's first basket, laying in a stolen ball at the 19:32 mark. Illinois State missed its first seven shots.

Drake owned a 35-30 halftime lead, but Illinois State shot a sizzling  72.2 percent from the floor in the second half. Phillips scored 15 points in the second half to fuel the Redbirds' attack.

Seth VanDeest played a season-low four minutes in the first half after picking up his second foul with 12:57 left in the period.

VanDeest logged only seven minutes in the second half before fouling out.

Reece Uhlenhopp played 20 minutes and responded by collecting a then career-high four points.

Wedel collected three steals, marking the eighth time he had three or more thefts in a game.  Drake hit 46.9 percent from the floor, making 23 of 49 shots.

Drake 69, Illinois State 59 (Jan. 17, 2010)
DES MOINES, IOWA -
Josh Young netted a team-high 18 points, while Adam Templeton collected his fourth career double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds as Drake earned a 69-59 decision against Illinois State.

For the second straight game Drake got out of the starting gate fast, constructing a 20-point lead in the first half.  Illinois State struggled from the opening tip, making just one of its first 12 shots from the floor.

The Bulldogs jumped to a 9-2 lead behind five points from Ryan Wedel.

Two three-point baskets by Templeton triggered a 12-2 run that turned a 13-6 Drake advantage into a 25-8 cushion.

Young then closed out the first half with consecutive baskets to give Drake a 35-15 lead.

A three-point basket by Wedel gave Drake its biggest lead of the game at 40-15 with 18:06 left.  Wedel finished with 15 points and five rebounds.

Templeton tied a season high with four three-point baskets - all in the first half.

Young collected six assists and four rebounds.

Illinois State's Osiris Eldridge, the league's scorer leader, was scoreless in the first half missing five shots.  Eldridge exploded for a game-high 26 points in the second half, hitting six three-point attempts.

A three-point basket by Bill Eaddy gave Drake a 60-41 lead with 2:39 left.  But Illinois State outscored Drake, 18-9, to close out the game.

Drake shot 45.1 percent from the floor, making 23 of 51 shots. Illinois State hit just 36.8 percent, canning 21 of 57 shots.

Frank Wiseler made his second start for Drake and played 31 minutes scoring five points.

SCOUTING ILLINOIS STATE:  Illinois State is off to a 8-10 start, including 0-7 in the Missouri Valley Conference after its 59-54 home setback versus Evansville last Saturday (Jan. 18). The Redbirds are led by Jackie Carmichael and Austin Hill, who are registering 10.7 and 9.2 points per game, respectively.  Tony Lewis paces Illinois State in rebounding at 6.8 rebounds per tilt, while Hill and Anthony Cousin lead the squad in assists (2.1 apg).

Tim Jankovich is in his fourth season at Illinois State, owning a 79-41 ledger (.658), while sporting a 182-112 record (.619) in 10 years as a head coach.

CAREER VERSUS THE REDBIRDS:  Ryan Wedel, Frank Wiseler and Aaron Hawley all averaging 11.5, 7.5 and 5.0 points, respectively, against the Redbirds in their careers.  Wedel owns a team-best 3.5 rebounds per contest.

ON THIS DATE IN BULLDOG HISTORY:  Drake is playing in its 28th game in school history on Jan. 18 when it plays Illinois State.  The Bulldogs own a 9-18 overall mark, including 7-8 at home.

DRAKE HEAD COACH MARK PHELPS:
  With passion and a commitment to elevate the Drake basketball program to levels of consistent excellence on and off the court, Mark Phelps is in his third year at the helm of the Bulldog basketball program.

Under Phelps' dedicated approach to recruiting and program building, Drake's incoming recruiting classes for the past two seasons have been ranked the best in the Missouri Valley Conference, pointing the Bulldogs on the road to success.  The Bulldogs' 2009-10 recruiting class was No. 1 in the MVC according to Van Coleman's Hoopmasters.com. Scouts Inc., in conjunction with ESPN.com, rated Drake's signees for the 2010-11 class the best in the MVC, as well.  Focused on the process of building a program the right way and working toward becoming a better team tomorrow and today, the results speak for themselves.

Phelps' 31 victories in two years at Drake are the second most wins accumulated by a coach in his first two seasons at the helm of the Bulldogs, trailing only the 32 wins achieved by Forddy Anderson in 1946-48.  Drake was the only school in the MVC to rank in the top 12 nationally in three different NCAA team statistics in 2009-10. The Bulldogs ranked No. 4 in turnovers per game (10.1 avg.), 10th in free throw percentage (.757) and 11th in three-point field goals per game (8.6 avg.). Drake also posted an all time school record low turnover total (332) during the 2009-10 season.

Phelps' teams at Drake have also been known for their shooting proficiency.  The Bulldogs made 284 three-point baskets in 2009-10, which was the second-highest total in school history.  Drake's .757 free throw percentage last year ranked third on the school's all time single-season free throw percentage list.  In his first year as head coach at Drake, Coach Phelps led the Bulldogs to a 17-16 record and their second consecutive post-season tournament in 2009 (CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament), marking the first time the Drake basketball program had advanced to post-season play in two consecutive seasons since 1970-71.  Under Phelps, Drake has played a traditionally strong schedule; over the past two seasons the Bulldogs played 28 games against teams that advanced to postseason play.

Phelps was named the 25th men's head basketball coach at Drake on April 21, 2008 after serving as associate head coach at Arizona State from 2006-08.

Phelps, 44, has been a basketball coach for 21 seasons, including 14 years on the collegiate level after a highly successful high school coaching career.  The Virginia Beach, Va. native had served on the coaching staff at North Carolina State under head coach Herb Sendek from 1996-2006 before joining Sendek at Arizona State in 2006.

Phelps was part of Sendek's staff that led North Carolina State to a 53-39 (.576) record in the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season and tournament play in his final five seasons in Raleigh, N.C.  The Wolfpack tied for the second most wins in the ACC from 2001 to 2006, and was one of only two ACC programs (Duke) to advance to the NCAA Tournament each of those five seasons. 

Phelps joined the North Carolina State staff in 1996, serving as director of basketball operations before being promoted to assistant coach in 2000.  In 2005 he was named recruiting coordinator and director of scouting with the Wolfpack while continuing as an assistant coach.

Prior to joining the college ranks, Phelps, a 1996 Old Dominion University graduate, was very familiar with outstanding basketball programs having had a highly successful tenure as a high school head coach.  Phelps coached his way to a 148-53 (.736 winning percentage) overall record during his six years directing a pair of Virginia independent high school teams.

Phelps spent two seasons (1994-96) at Atlantic Shores Christian High School in Chesapeake, Va., where his teams compiled a 44-12 record. His 1996 squad finished 20-3 and set school marks for winning percentage (.870) and fewest losses.  Prior to his tenure at Atlantic Shores, Phelps coached four years (1990-94) at Rock Church Academy and posted a 104-41 record. His teams played in the Metro Conference, where he was twice named Coach of the Year as the Eagles won three straight conference championships.  Each of his last five prep teams (three at Rock, two at Atlantic Shores) advanced to the Virginia Independent School State Tournament.  Four times he coached teams to the quarterfinals of the state tournament and twice to the state semifinals. He also served as athletics director at both high schools.  Phelps started his coaching career as Rock's junior varsity coach during the 1989-90 season.

WICHITA STATE OVERCOMES DRAKE, 68-54:  A nearly 52 percent (.519) shooting mark proved too much for Drake to overcome as Wichita State registered a 68-54 victory past the Bulldogs on Saturday (Jan. 15) in the Knapp Center.

Freshman Rayvonte Rice and sophomore Ben Simons led Drake with 11- and 10-point performances, respectively.  Redshirt freshman David Smith added a career-high seven-point outing off the bench.

Three Wichita State players finished with double-figure efforts, led by Aaron Ellis with 12 points, while Demetric Williams and David Kyles added 11 and 10 points, respectively.  JT Durley pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds for the Shockers.

Rebounding proved to play a huge role in the game as Wichita State limited Drake to a season-low 20 rebounds en route to registering a 45-20 rebounding edge.  The rebounds resulted in only 7-6 advantage in second-chance points, but the Shockers' cause was strengthened by its bench outscoring the Bulldogs, 37-17.

Drake finished the affair shooting 40 percent from the floor, while Wichita State registered a 51.9 percent mark.

The Shockers jumped out to an 11-4 advantage in the affair before the Bulldogs began to slow chip away at the deficit.

Trailing 15-9 with 13:24 to play, Drake went on an 11-2 run over the next 7:52 to assume its first lead of the evening, 18-17, on a jumper by Rice with 6:21 left in the half.

Fueling the surge was seven points from senior Ryan Wedel.

The Bulldogs maintained the lead until a jumper by Ellis at the 1:22 mark put the Shockers ahead to stay, 28-27.  Wichita State entered the intermission leading Drake, 32-27.

The Bulldogs connected on 41.7 percent of their first-half shots as compared to a 53.8 percent shooting mark by the Shockers. 

Drake started the final 20 minutes on a 7-3 run to cut the deficit to 35-34 after a jumper by Rice with 17:43 remaining.

Wichita State answered scoring 24 of the next 30 points to assume a 59-40 lead, one it didn't relinquish en route to collecting the victory.

RICE RISING TO THE TOP OF THE MVC ROOKIE CLASS:  Rayvonte Rice has fashioned together a strong rookie campaign as he ranks seventh in The Valley in scoring at 12.9 points per game, a mark which is second among the league's freshman class.  Rice's 233 points through 18 games represent 20.7 percent of Drake's overall offensive output (1,126 points).  He leads the Bulldogs in steals (1.3), while rating second on the team in rebounds (4.8) and third in assists (1.7).  Statistically, he is ranked fourth in the conference in steals (1.4), seventh in scoring (12.9), 12th in three pointers made (1.2) and 15th in both blocked shots (0.6) and offensive rebounds (1.5).  In league-only games, Rice sits fourth in blocked shots (0.9), sixth in steals (1.3), 10th in defensive rebounds (4.4) and 11th in scoring (11.9) and rebounding (5.6).

MORE RICE PLAUDITS:  Rayvonte Rice is sixth on Drake's all-time freshman scoring list with 233 points, 19 points shy of surpassing Lynnrick Rogers' (1993-94) mark of 251 points for fifth place.  Rice's current 12.9 scoring average stands as the second-best mark among Bulldog freshman since Luke McDonald registered 14.7 points during the 2000-01 campaign.  His 10 rebounds versus Southern Utah and nine field goals against Weber State represented the fourth- and eighth-highest field goal and scoring outputs, respectively, by a Drake freshman.

IN THE LAST FIVE GAMES:
  The Bulldogs own a 1-4 mark in their last five contests, with three of the five games occurring at home.  Rayvonte Rice and Ben Simons are averaging 12.0 and 9.8 points per game, respectively, with Rice pacing Drake in rebounding, pulling down 5.4 caroms a tilt.  The Bulldogs are shooting 41.4 percent from the field and 26.7 percent beyond the arc during the span.

CAREER NUMBERS INCHING HIGHER:  Seth VanDeest is No. 7 on Drake's career blocked shots list with 61...Ryan Wedel now has 283 three point baskets in his college career, with 108 occurring at Drake, 14 shy of cracking the top-10 career list as a Bulldog...Wedel has scored 1,358 points in his college career (807 at Arkansas State).

BULLDOG BITES:

  • The Bulldogs have won eight of their last 10 home game versus Illinois State.
  • In that span Drake has registered 67.1 points, while limiting the Redbirds to 62.4 points per game. The average margin of victory has been 5.4 points, while the Bulldogs have held Illinois State under 60 points four times.
  • Drake was limited to a season-low 20 rebounds in its 68-54 setback to Wichita State last Saturday (Jan. 15).
  • Drake had an off night at the free throw line at Evansville as the Bulldogs connected on 15 of their 29 attempts at the line. The last time Drake missed at least 14 shots in a game occurred on Nov. 18, 2006 at the Top of the World Classic against Utah State, a 92-74 setback. In that affair, the Bulldogs made 20 of their 37 attempts.
  • Drake has been held to less than 60 points in four of its seven MVC games this season.
  • Led by a career-high three blocks from Kraidon Woods and two courtesy of Seth VanDeest, Drake recorded a season-best six blocks at Evansville (1/12).
  • It has proven to be a tale of two halfs for the Bulldogs this season in conference action as Drake is shooting more than 40 percent (.401) from the field in the first 20 minutes, while registering 27.3 points and 15.7 rebounds. Their opponents are connecting on 39.8 percent of their attempts and are recording 29.0 points and 19.1 rebounds in the initial stanza. In the second half, the Bulldogs are averaging 32.0 points and 13.0 rebounds, while shooting 40.7 percent. Conversely, their opponents are posting 37.4 points and 21.0 rebounds in the final frame, including a 45.3 percent shooting mark.
  • As two of the Bulldogs' top-three leading scorers, Rayvonte Rice and Seth VanDeest have found a knack of making their way to the basket as the duo has connected on 53 and 60 free throws, respectively, to account for more than 49 percent (.491) of Drake's made free throws this season. No other Bulldog has made more than 21 free throws this season.
  • Drake has proven adept at spreading out the ball to its shooters this season as five different players have recorded 25 or more assists, including a team-high 33 assists distributed by Seth VanDeest, they are followed by Kurt Alexander (32), Rayvonte Rice (30), Frank Wiseler (29) and Ryan Wedel (28).
  • Seth VanDeest and Kraidon Woods are sparking the Bulldogs in blocks this season as the pair has registered 16 apiece, to account for more than 60 percent (.604) of Drake's rejections.
  • Nine of the Bulldogs' 14 players who have appeared in at least one contest this season have drained a three pointer.
  • Drake improved its record to 5-1 when Aaron Hawley reaches double-figure scoring, netting 10 points to surpass his combined career total of seven points in two previous career games against Bradley.
  • For only the fourth time this season against Indiana State (Jan. 9), the Bulldogs registered a better shooting mark than their opponents and came away without a victory. Drake outshot the Sycamores 42.6 percent to 38.8 percent.
  • Seven times this season have Drake opponents netted more three pointers than the Bulldogs (Iowa State, Colorado State, Creighton-1, Wichita State-1, Bradley-1, Indiana State-1, Wichita State-2).
  • En route to holding its opponents to a .317 three point percentage, the Bulldogs have limited the opposition to less than five three pointers on eight occasions.
  • Drake's 69-55 victory against Southern Illinois (Dec. 29) marked the Bulldogs' first win at home in a league opener since a 66-62 triumph over Wichita State on Jan. 4, 1996.
  • The 51-point margin in Drake's 102-51 victory over Chicago State (Dec. 23) marked the Bulldogs' largest win over an opponent since downing Waldorf, 104-51, on Nov. 26, 2006. The contest also represented Drake's first 100-point scoring output since defeating Evansville, 101-96, in the MVC Tournament on March 1, 2007.
  • The Bulldogs' eight triples in the initial stanza against Chicago State tied for the fifth-most three pointers in a half in school history.
  • The Bulldogs set or matched 42 individual season and 31 individual career marks in the categories of points, field goals made three pointers made, free throws made, free throws attempted, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and minutes in their triumph over Chicago State (Dec. 23). Those players establishing new career marks for points were Kurt Alexander, Rayvonte Rice, Greg Whitaker, Reece Uhlenhopp and Cory Parker.
  • Ryan Wedel has connected on three or more three pointers in eight games this season.
  • Drake's five blocked shots versus Bradley (Jan. 7) equaled a season-best mark, also established against Dartmouth (Dec. 21) and Southern Utah (Nov. 24).
  • The Bulldogs have had four games this season decided by five points or less. The ability to close out contests has been a work in progress for Drake as the Bulldogs are shooting 30.2 percent in the final five minutes of games this season, as compared to a 47.2 percent shooting mark for its opponents. In the final five minutes, the Bulldogs have gotten their fair share of shots (116), while outrebounding their opponent on the offensive glass, 28-20, for second-chance opportunities.
  • Two Drake players are shooting 50 percent or better in the Bulldogs' last five games, led by David Smith (66.7 percent), who has connected on 50 percent of his attempts. Joining him is Kraidon Woods.
  • After surviving a school-record six-game road swing, the Bulldogs completed a five-game homestand going 3-2 following their 69-55 win over Southern Illinois (Dec. 29).
  • Rayvonte Rice's 15-point, 10-rebound performance against Southern Utah (Nov. 24) is believed, according to Drake historian Paul Morrison, to be the first double-double by a true freshman for the Bulldogs since Melvin Mathis posted six double-doubles as a freshman during the 1982-83 campaign.
  • A pair of Bulldogs are shooting at least 50 percent from the field: VanDeest (.525) and Woods (.611).
  • Four Bulldogs have a positive assist-turnover ratio this season, including VanDeest (33-25), Wedel (28-20), Wiseler (29-16) and Smith (15-10).
  • Drake's starters are registering 44.6 points and 18.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 41.6 percent from the field. The group has forced 174 turnovers, including 67 steals. Conversely, the Bulldogs' bench is recording 18.0 points and 11.6 rebounds a night.
  • Drake has had five 20-point performances this season, led by VanDeest (Southern Utah), Wedel (Texas Southern), Rice (Weber State and Chicago State) and Ben Simons (Chicago State).
  • The 26 points scored by VanDeest against Southern Utah were the most points scored by a Bulldog since Jonathan Cox turned in a 27-point performance vs. Indiana State on March 5, 2009.

YOUNG SIGNS CONTRACT WITH BAYER GIANTS LEVERKUSEN:  Former Drake men's basketball standout Josh Young (2006-10) has signed a contract to continue his playing career professionally competing for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen in Germany's Pro B (Third Division).

"I have chosen Josh (Young) because he has a very good shot and more importantly, a great personality," Bayer head coach Chris Martin commented.  "He is a humble young man who is well prepared to play basketball in this league. The team and I are happy that he is here and part of the team."

"I'm more than excited to be a part of the Bayer Giants family," said Young.  "The experience of living in another country, while being a part of another culture, and playing basketball as a job isn't something that most people can say they get to do. So I'm going to take full advantage of it. The team, management and coaches have shown me nothing but love and hospitality since I've been here. For the last few months, my career has jumped from city to city and country to country, but I believe now I've found the place I can call home."

Young graduated from Drake as the school's career leader in scoring (1,789 points), three-point baskets (255) and free throws made (442). He was one of 10 national finalists for the 2010 Lowe's Senior Class Award in men's college basketball.

A three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference performer, Young was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District 16 first team this past season. He closed out his career scoring 20 or more points in six of his last 12 games. He led the MVC in scoring as a sophomore with a 15.9 average. Young averaged 14.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 2009-10.

DRAKE'S OFFENSIVE PROGRESS REPORT: In Drake's 18 games this season, this is how the Bulldogs have fared from the field: 50 percent: .574 (Weber State), .531 (Boise State), 40 percent: .492 (Chicago State), .473 (Wichita State-1), .457 (Eastern Michigan), .448 (Southern Utah), .442 (Dartmouth), .439 (Colorado State), .426 (Indiana State-1), .420 (Bradley-1), .413 (Southern Illinois-1), .400 (Wichita State-2), 30 percent: .392 (Iowa), .356 (Creighton-1), .345 (Texas Southern), .340 (Evansville-1), 20 percent: .265 (St. John's), .224(Iowa State).

BULLDOGS' DEFENSIVE PROGRESS REPORT: In Drake's 18 games this season, this is how the Bulldogs' opponents have fared from the field: 50 percent: .577 (St. John's), .538 (Iowa State), .531 (Weber State), .519 (Wichita State-2), .500 (Colorado State), 40 percent: .458 (Creighton-1), .456 (Evansville-1), .436 (Bradley-1), .426 (Dartmouth), .422 (Iowa), .413 (Wichita State-1), 30 percent: .390 (Texas Southern), .388 (Indiana State-1), .381 (Boise State), .380 (Southern Utah), .354 (Eastern Michigan), .345 (Chicago State), .322 (Southern Illinois-1), 20 percent: NA.

IN OUR SEVEN WINS: In their seven victories this season, the Blue and White are averaging 71.9 points, while shooting at a clip of .443.  The Bulldogs have held opponents to 56.0 points, while averaging 32.9 rebounds and 13.7 assists.

IN OUR 11 LOSSES: In their 11 losses this season, the Bulldogs are paced by 12.5 points per game from Rayvonte Rice, while tickling the twines for 56.6 points per contest.  The squad has connected on 39.4 percent of its attempts from the field, while rebounding 28.2 caroms a night. 

A CLOSER LOOK INSIDE THE STATS: The Bulldogs are 2-5 following a victory this season with Rayvonte Rice averaging 11.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.  After suffering a loss, Drake is 4-6 with Rayvonte Rice, Seth VanDeest and Ryan Wedel leading the way with 14.9, 12.6 and 9.1 points per tilt, respectively.

IN CLOSE GAMES:
Drake has been involved in 26 games decided by five points or fewer under Phelps.  A breakdown of those matches is as follows; one-point difference (2-2), two-point difference (2-5), three-point difference (2-4), four-point difference (1-4) and five-point difference (3-1).

LUCKY NUMBER 70: Drake has found 70 to be the magic number when it comes to victories under Phelps as the Bulldogs have posted a 15-3 mark when scoring at least 70 points.  When the Blue and White surpass the 80-point plateau they are 5-1.

ARCH MADNESS TOURNAMENT TICKETS ON SALE:
  All-session tournament tickets for the 2011 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Tournament, affectionately known as Arch Madness, are now available.  The event, which takes place at Scottrade Center, will be held March 3-6, 2011.

All MVC fans wishing to order tickets for the 2011 State Farm MVC Men's Basketball Championship should note that the phone number for TicketMaster in St. Louis has been changed to 1-800-745-3000.  The previous number of 314-241-1888 -- which is listed in the tournament's ticket brochure -- is no longer operational.  Tickets can be purchased with a credit card by calling TicketMaster, visiting ticketmaster.com or by going to the Scottrade Center box office.  Tickets can also be purchased at MVC institutional ticket offices.  There is an additional fee per ticket by purchasing via credit card or on-line.

All-session tickets (nine games) for the 2011 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Tournament are as low as $110 (reserved seating upper bowl).  Lower-bowl and select mid-court upper-bowl all-session tickets are $125.  Single-session tickets will not be on sale until mid-January.

SHOTS FROM HEART: During the 2010-11 season, Drake head coach Mark Phelps and assistant coach Kareem Richardson are taking part in the "Shots from the Heart" campaign, a function of the American Heart Association and CollegeInsider.com in an effort to generate more awareness for the growing problem of heart disease.

There will be two 64-coach fields (one for head coaches and one for assistant coaches) and the participating coaches will compete in a free throw shooting contest, which will be bracketed. Starting in mid-November, coaches will compete against one another with winners advancing to the next round.

Phelps defeated Tom Moore of Quinnipiac in a first-round match, making 23-of-25 attempts, and advanced to face Butler's Brad Stevens in the second round, who bested Phil Martelli of St. Joseph's.  Phelps again moved on over Stevens connecting on 23 of his 25 attempts and he will next face the winner of the Rick Stansbury (Mississippi State)/Milan Brown (Holy Cross) showdown.

Richardson bested Wisconsin assistant coach Greg Gard in the first round, hitting all 25 of his shots, and moved on to meet Eric Eaton of Quinnipiac in the second round.  In the second round, despite making 24 of 25 attempts, Richardson was defeated by Eaton, who made all 25 of his shots.

Each coach will shoot 25 free throws at his location and a member of the athletics department will tally the results and the coach with the most makes will advance. The finals will take place at the Final Four in Houston, Texas in March, 2011.

To find out more about this program and for ways to help in the battle against heart disease, log onto www.collegeinsider.com/shots or contact your local chapter of the American Heart Association. You can also log onto www.heart.org for more information on the American Heart Association.

UP NEXT: 
The Bulldogs face in-state rival Northern Iowa on Saturday (Jan. 22) in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Kurt Alexander

#3 Kurt Alexander

G
6' 0"
Senior
Cory Parker

#21 Cory Parker

F
6' 8"
Redshirt Junior
Rayvonte Rice

#24 Rayvonte Rice

G
6' 4"
Sophomore
Ben Simons

#34 Ben Simons

F
6' 8"
Junior
David Smith

#25 David Smith

G
6' 4"
Redshirt Sophomore
Reece Uhlenhopp

#40 Reece Uhlenhopp

F
6' 8"
Junior
Greg Whitaker

#32 Greg Whitaker

F
6' 6"
Redshirt Junior
Kraidon Woods

#22 Kraidon Woods

F
6' 9"
Redshirt Senior
Bill Eaddy

#22 Bill Eaddy

F
6' 5"
Freshman
Adam Templeton

#44 Adam Templeton

G/F
6' 6"
Senior
Ryan Wedel

#10 Ryan Wedel

G
5' 11"
Junior
Frank Wiseler

#13 Frank Wiseler

G
6' 2"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Kurt Alexander

#3 Kurt Alexander

6' 0"
Senior
G
Cory Parker

#21 Cory Parker

6' 8"
Redshirt Junior
F
Rayvonte Rice

#24 Rayvonte Rice

6' 4"
Sophomore
G
Ben Simons

#34 Ben Simons

6' 8"
Junior
F
David Smith

#25 David Smith

6' 4"
Redshirt Sophomore
G
Reece Uhlenhopp

#40 Reece Uhlenhopp

6' 8"
Junior
F
Greg Whitaker

#32 Greg Whitaker

6' 6"
Redshirt Junior
F
Kraidon Woods

#22 Kraidon Woods

6' 9"
Redshirt Senior
F
Bill Eaddy

#22 Bill Eaddy

6' 5"
Freshman
F
Adam Templeton

#44 Adam Templeton

6' 6"
Senior
G/F
Ryan Wedel

#10 Ryan Wedel

5' 11"
Junior
G
Frank Wiseler

#13 Frank Wiseler

6' 2"
Sophomore
G