THE BASICS
Drake looks to regain its shooting touch when the Bulldogs host Evansville on Wednesday for Relays Night, while trying to gather momentum heading down the final stretch of the Missouri Valley Conference campaign.
 
SCOUTING EVANSVILLE
The Purple Aces are currently 6-18 overall and 2-11 in Missouri Valley Conference play after a 69- 62 loss at Southern Illinois on Saturday. Evansville played three games in the span of five days last week defeating Indiana State on the road, 65-56 on Tuesday (Feb. 8) before falling at home to the Sycamores in double OT by a final score of 80-77 on Thursday (Feb. 10).

Senior guard Shamar Givance averages a team- high 14.1 points per game and has dished out a team-leading 91 total assists this season.

Todd Lickliter was the head coach at Iowa from 2007-10, where he coached current Drake assistant Matt Gatens.

EVANSVILLE SERIES NOTES
This will be the 58th meeting between Drake and Evansville in men's basketball. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series, 29-28.

Drake has won six consecutive games against the Purple Aces dating back to 2019.
 
Drake held on to edge Evansville, 60-59 at the Ford Center earliest this season on Jan. 8. Tucker DeVries led the Bulldogs with 15 points and Garrett Sturtz snagged a team-best nine rebounds.
 
REJECTED BY MURPHY
Tremell Murphy is closing in on the Drake career
blocks top-10. Name (Years)
1. Nick McGlynn (2015-19)
2. Liam Robbins (2018-20)
3. Aliou Keita (2004-07)
4. Seth VanDeest (09-14)
5.Jonathan Cox (2005-09)
6.Jacob Enevold (2013-17)
7. Brent Heemskerk (2004-09) 128 73
8.William Celestine (1990-94) 107 67
9. Ken Maxey (1994-96) 54 64
10. Kraidon Woods (2010-12) 62 64
11. Tremell Murphy (2018-22) 93 63

SWIPER, NO SWIPING
Drake's defense has collected the most steals (183) of any team in the league, averaging 7.0 thefts per game. Drake collected eight steals in each of its last two home games against UNI and Missouri State.
 
SECOND CHANCE
Drake is averaging 10.3 offensive rebounds per game, reaching double figures in 16 of 26 games, including six of the last eight games.

The Bulldogs had A season-high 19 offensive re- bounds in a 70-65 OT win against Jackson State. Drake has collected double-figure offensive re- bounds in six MVC games. Drake grabbed 14 offensive boards at Missouri State Jan. 2; 13 against Bradley Jan. 19; 12 offensive boards at UNI Jan. 22; 13 at Illinois State Jan. 26; 10 at Indiana State Feb. 2; 16 against UNI Feb. 5 and 12 vs. Missouri State Feb. 9.
 
The Bulldogs rank second in the MVC in offensive rebounds with a 10.3 average.
 
RELAYS NIGHT INFORMATION  
The fun-filled night will kick off Drake Relays season as Drake Relays ticket package presales will be available at the game and otherwise go on sale to the public on Thursday (Feb. 17).
 
The first 1,000 fans will receive a commemorative rally towel. It wouldn't be a Relays event without the Voice of the Drake Relays, Mike Jay as he will announce the starting lineups. Drake Relays officials and committee members will be recognized during the game.
 
At halftime, the Running of the Bulldogs race is set to return. Follow @DrakeRelays on social media for updates regarding contestants in this year's Running of the Bulldogs.
 
Traditional Relays concession staples such as turkey legs and corn dogs will make an appearance at the Knapp Center concession stands courtesy of Turkey Time and Campbells Concessions.
 
The Relays Treadmill Challenge has a goal of having runners collectively complete a half marathon (13.1 miles) during the course of the basketball game.
 
Runners are scheduled to include Director of Broadcasting Michael Admire and head women's soccer coach Lindsey Horner. Drake distance runners Adam Fogg, Isaac Basten, Emilie Meyer and Brooke Mullins are also confirmed to be participating in the challenge. Fogg and Basten have both ran sub-4 miles this indoor track season including Fogg setting a school record of 3:56.60.
 
When the 13.1 mile goal is reached Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has committed to donating $1,300 to the Iowa Kidstrong program. The challenge is also promoting the opening of the Grand Blue Mile flash sale, which will be hosting its 13^th annual event this year. Wellmark and the Drake Relays have recognized the Iowa Kidstrong program as the official beneficiary of Grand Blue Mile proceeds Learn more about Iowa Kidstrong here: https://www.grandbluemile.com/about/iowa-kidstrong/.

UP NEXT
Drake is scheduled next to take on Loyola Saturday for the last time in the regular season as Missouri Valley Conference foes. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Chicago and the game will be aired live on ESPN2.