DES MOINES, Iowa – Despite an all-around strong effort, the Drake men's basketball team was unable to hold on against Missouri Valley Conference power Wichita State in a 77-69 loss Wednesday night at the Knapp Center.
 
The Bulldogs used a 12-0 run to take a 55-47 lead with 11:28 left in the second half. However, Wichita State responded with a 14-3 run, erasing the Bulldogs lead. The Wichita State defense held Drake without a field goal for the final four minutes of the game to prevent the Bulldogs from overcoming what was just a three-point, 68-65, deficit with four minutes to play in the contest.
 
"We're all disappointed with the loss and not being able to get the job done," said Drake head coach Jeff Rutter. "But with that being said, I'm very proud of our guys' effort and toughness tonight."
 
Drake (7-16, 5-6 MVC) was carried by a career-high performance from junior De'Antae McMurray (Alton, Ill.). Scoring 28 points, McMurray went 8-of-16 including 5-of-10 from behind the arc. McMurray added three rebounds, two assists and three steals to complete his stat line. Junior T.J. Thomas (Stone Mountain, Ga.) added a team-high nine rebounds. In a game that featured 15 lead changes, the Bulldogs recorded 11 three-pointers with Graham Woodward (Edina, Minn.) draining a pair as well. and seven steals.
 
Wichita State (20-4, 10-1 MVC) was led by Landry Shamet and Conner Frankamp who put up 17 and 16 points, respectively. Rashard Kelly joined the duo in double-digits with 13 points. Markis McDuffie grabbed a game high 14 rebounds and eight assists. As a team the Shockers went 31-of-66 from the field and recorded 36 points in the paint.
 
Both teams kept it close to open the first half, with neither team leading by more than six points. Tied at 17-17, the Bulldogs used a pair of three-pointers from Nick McGlynn (Stoughton, Wis.) and McMurray to extend the lead out to a 25-19. A 7-0 run by Wichita State gave the Shockers back a 26-25 lead. Both teams went on a scoring drought for more than two minutes before Wichita State ended the half on a 6-0 run to take a 39-35 lead into halftime.
 
"They're hungry," said Rutter. "This is a group that is going to play hard and play together."
 
The Bulldogs return to the road for their first matchup against Bradley on Saturday, Feb. 4. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. with the game being broadcast on The Valley on ESPN3 and 1350 ESPN Des Moines.