Kansas State Wildcats vs Drake Bulldogs Picks and Predictions December 17th 2024

Undefeated Drake Takes on Kansas State in Kansas City

Drake’s undefeated season faces a serious test Tuesday night as the Bulldogs travel to Kansas City, Mo., to take on Kansas State in the Wildcat Classic at T-Mobile Center. While their history together stretches back to the early 20th century, both programs now bring fresh faces and renewed focus to this long-dormant rivalry.

A Rivalry Renewed

Drake (9-0) and Kansas State (6-3) share a history dating back to their Missouri Valley Conference days, where they clashed regularly in the early 1900s. The Wildcats hold a 20-7 advantage in the series, but the two schools paused their meetings for decades before Drake claimed an 80-70 win in 2020.

Both programs now have new leadership. Drake is led by first-year head coach Ben McCollum, who has brought his winning pedigree from Division II Northwest Missouri State, where he captured four national championships. For Kansas State, Jerome Tang is in his third season at the helm and is determined to bounce back after a rocky start.

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Drake’s Perfect Start Under McCollum

Drake has thrived under McCollum’s leadership, entering the matchup undefeated at 9-0. The Bulldogs cruised in their last outing, dismantling NAIA opponent St. Ambrose 90-35 in a tune-up game. McCollum saw the matchup as a necessary step to stay sharp before facing a major opponent like K-State.

“You’ve got K-State coming up,” McCollum said after the victory. “If you come out of finals and just jump right into K-State, you don’t have that good rhythm. I thought this was the perfect game for that.”

Drake’s success has been powered by a balanced scoring trio. Bennett Stirtz leads the Bulldogs with 17.8 points per game, followed by Daniel Abreu (13.9) and Mitch Mascari (12.2). Their ability to share the scoring load will be critical as they face a tougher defensive challenge in Kansas State.

Kansas State Looking to Regroup

Kansas State enters the game hoping to shake off their 88-71 loss to St. John’s on Dec. 7. The Wildcats started strong, holding a 39-35 lead at halftime, but fell apart in the second half, being outscored by 21 points.

Despite the recent setback, head coach Jerome Tang remains optimistic that his team will respond after some much-needed time off.

“I really feel like the guys have bought in to what we want to do moving forward,” Tang said Monday.

The Wildcats are led by a trio of double-digit scorers of their own. Brendan Hausen leads the way with 15.2 points per game and has been lethal from beyond the arc, averaging 3.67 made three-pointers per game—ranking ninth in Division I. Forward David N’Guessan provides a steady presence inside, averaging 14.2 points per game.

Key Matchup: Drake’s Balanced Attack vs. K-State’s Perimeter Threat

The battle between Drake’s efficient offense and Kansas State’s shooting ability will likely decide this game. The Bulldogs rely on balance, with multiple players capable of taking over a game, while K-State will look to Hausen’s three-point shooting to give them an edge.

Drake must maintain its rhythm and composure against a Kansas State team looking for redemption. Meanwhile, the Wildcats need to avoid the second-half lapses that cost them in their previous outing.

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The Stakes

For Kansas State, this game offers an opportunity to regain their footing against a surging opponent. For Drake, it’s a chance to prove their undefeated record is no fluke and to add a marquee win under McCollum’s leadership.

Will Drake’s undefeated run continue, or can K-State use the energy in Kansas City to bounce back? All eyes will be on the Wildcats as they face their toughest challenge yet this season.