Drake's Jalen Quinn stole the show at the Hulman Center, scoring 27 points to propel his team to a 76-62 victory over Indiana State. The Bulldogs' impressive performance was a far cry from the predicted outcome, as CHD Scout had Indiana State winning by a slim 1.6-point margin. Instead, Drake asserted its dominance from the outset, taking a 26-24 lead into halftime and never looking back.
Quinn's explosive scoring was the difference-maker, as he consistently found ways to penetrate the Indiana State defense and finish at the rim. His supporting cast, including Owen Larson, who chipped in 21 points and 7 rebounds, helped to stretch the Sycamores' defense to its limits. On the other side, Ian Scott and Markus Harding led the charge for Indiana State, each scoring 12 points, but their efforts were ultimately insufficient to overcome Drake's balanced attack.
As the second half unfolded, Drake's lead continued to grow, with the Bulldogs outscoring Indiana State 50-38 over the final 20 minutes. The Sycamores struggled to contain Quinn, who seemed to score at will, and their own offense was unable to keep pace. Jo Van Buggenhout's well-rounded performance, which included 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, was a rare bright spot for Indiana State, but it was not enough to stem the tide.
CHD Scout Report Card
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The win is a significant one for Drake, as it marks a Quad 3 victory for the Bulldogs. With a current net ranking of 163, Drake is still on the outside looking in when it comes to the NCAA Tournament bubble. However, this win will certainly help to bolster their resume, particularly given the convincing nature of the victory. For Indiana State, the loss is a Quad 4 defeat, which will do little to enhance their already slim tournament hopes. The Sycamores, with a net ranking of 202, face an uphill climb to become a serious contender for a postseason berth.
In the end, Drake's strong performance, led by Quinn's outstanding individual effort, proved too much for Indiana State to handle. As the Bulldogs continue to navigate their schedule, they want to build on this momentum and make a push for a tournament spot. With wins like this one, they will certainly be a team to watch in the coming weeks. The victory may not have been an upset, but it was a statement win for Drake, and one that will undoubtedly have implications for their tournament chances moving forward.