Missouri Tigers and Drake Bulldogs Square Off in the Opening Round of the NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Tournament is one of the most exciting events in college basketball, with teams from across the nation competing for the coveted national championship. This year, two mid-major programs—Drake Bulldogs and the Missouri Tigers—are set to face off in the opening round, marking the start of a thrilling postseason for both squads. As teams with distinct playing styles and storied histories, this matchup promises to be a memorable contest that will capture the attention of basketball fans everywhere.

The Missouri Tigers, representing the Southeastern Conference (SEC), enter the tournament with a solid regular-season performance that earned them an at-large bid. On the other hand, the Drake Bulldogs, representing the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), have had a stellar season, securing an automatic bid after a championship win in their conference tournament. Both teams have proven their mettle over the course of the season, and their clash in the opening round will be a pivotal moment in the tournament.

This article will examine the key storylines heading into this matchup, delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each team, and analyze the players to watch and what it will take for each squad to advance to the next round of the NCAA Tournament.

Missouri Tigers: A Season of Resurgence

The Missouri Tigers have been a consistently competitive program in the SEC, though they have faced ups and downs in recent years. However, 2025 has marked a resurgence for the Tigers, as they have solidified themselves as one of the top teams in the league under head coach Dennis Gates, who is now in his second season. His emphasis on a fast-paced, high-pressure defense and versatile offense has rejuvenated the program, bringing them back into national prominence.

Regular Season Success

The Tigers posted a respectable record in SEC play, finishing with a strong overall record that put them firmly in the mix for an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament. Missouri’s ability to compete with top-tier teams in the SEC, including wins over powerhouses like Kentucky and Alabama, helped them secure a spot in the tournament and earn a mid-level seeding. Their offense, led by a combination of experienced upperclassmen and talented younger players, has been efficient and dangerous.

Key Players to Watch for Missouri

1. Kobe Brown – Brown, a 6’8″ forward, has been a dominant force for Missouri throughout the season. As the team’s leader, he is capable of taking over games both offensively and defensively. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and impact the game in the paint has made him a matchup nightmare. Expect him to play a key role in the Tigers’ success against Drake.
2. Des Moines Hodge – A senior guard, Hodge has been an integral part of Missouri’s backcourt this season. His leadership, scoring ability, and defensive tenacity make him one of the key players to watch. Hodge’s ability to create his own shot and facilitate offense will be crucial for the Tigers’ ability to execute in the tournament.
3. Nick Honor – A dynamic point guard, Honor has had an impressive season distributing the ball while also being a scoring threat. His court vision and ability to find open teammates will be key to Missouri’s success, especially when trying to break down Drake’s defensive sets.

Missouri’s Keys to Success

For the Tigers to advance in the tournament, they must continue to do what they have done best all season: play tough defense and move the ball efficiently on offense. Missouri’s defense is predicated on swarming opponents, forcing turnovers, and creating transition opportunities. They will need to capitalize on fast breaks and limit Drake’s offensive sets.

Offensively, Missouri must be able to space the floor and create opportunities for both Brown and Hodge to dominate. While Brown is the focal point of the offense, having players like Honor and Hodge step up as secondary scoring options will be critical to breaking down Drake’s defense.

Drake Bulldogs: A Season of Dominance in the MVC

The Drake Bulldogs enter the NCAA Tournament with a chip on their shoulder. As one of the most consistent programs in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) over the past few years, Drake has finally broken through to earn an automatic bid with a dominant performance in the MVC Tournament. Head coach Darian DeVries has built a program that prides itself on tough defense, high basketball IQ, and unselfish offense. Their success in the MVC was a result of both experience and excellent team chemistry.

Regular Season and Conference Tournament Success

Drake finished the regular season as one of the top teams in the MVC, earning a first-place finish and securing the top seed in the MVC Tournament. Their tournament run was a statement of their strength, as they won the championship in impressive fashion, dispatching strong teams to clinch the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Drake is a team that plays with poise and discipline, and their ability to execute in clutch situations has made them a dangerous team in March. Their defense has been stifling all season, ranking among the best in the nation in terms of points allowed per game.

Key Players to Watch for Drake

1. Tucker DeVries – The son of head coach Darian DeVries, Tucker has been the heart and soul of Drake’s offense. As a 6’7″ forward, DeVries can score in a variety of ways, whether it’s driving to the basket, hitting jump shots, or creating plays for others. He has been the most consistent player for Drake, and he will need to be at his best in the tournament if the Bulldogs are to make a deep run.
2. Roman Penn – A veteran point guard, Penn has been the floor general for the Bulldogs throughout the season. His leadership, passing ability, and defensive prowess make him one of the most valuable players on the roster. Penn’s ability to control the pace of the game will be critical, especially in the high-pressure environment of the NCAA Tournament.
3. Darnell Brodie – A dominant force in the paint, Brodie provides much-needed physicality and rebounding for Drake. His size and strength make him a matchup problem for any team, and Missouri will need to find a way to limit his presence in the post if they hope to advance.

Drake’s Keys to Success

Drake’s defense will be the cornerstone of their success against Missouri. The Bulldogs have the ability to stifle opposing offenses with their disciplined approach, and they will need to focus on limiting Missouri’s ability to execute in transition. Forcing turnovers and limiting fast-break opportunities will be crucial for Drake to control the tempo of the game.

Offensively, Drake must rely on their ball movement and shooting ability. While Tucker DeVries is the focal point, Drake’s offense works best when they share the ball and have multiple players contribute. Penn’s ability to distribute the ball and find open teammates will be essential in breaking down Missouri’s defense.

Head-to-Head Matchup: What to Expect

Pace of Play

Missouri’s high-tempo style of play will clash with Drake’s more methodical, defense-first approach. The Tigers will look to push the ball up the court and score quickly in transition, while the Bulldogs will likely prefer to slow the game down and execute in half-court sets. The battle for tempo will be one of the most critical aspects of this game.

If Missouri can dictate the pace and force Drake into playing faster, they will have an advantage. However, if Drake can impose their will on defense and control the clock, they could frustrate Missouri’s offense and limit their scoring opportunities.

Key Matchup: Kobe Brown vs. Tucker DeVries

The matchup between Missouri’s Kobe Brown and Drake’s Tucker DeVries will be the focal point of this game. Both players are their respective team’s best all-around players and are capable of taking over a game. Brown’s physicality and ability to stretch the floor will challenge Drake’s defense, while DeVries’ scoring and playmaking will provide a serious test for Missouri’s defense.

If Brown can establish himself early and take advantage of Drake’s defense, Missouri will have a strong chance to advance. On the other hand, if DeVries is able to control the flow of the game and continue his high-level scoring, Drake will be in a strong position to pull off the upset.

Rebounding and Interior Play

Both teams have strong interior players, with Missouri’s Brown and Drake’s Brodie capable of dominating the paint. The team that wins the rebounding battle and establishes themselves in the post will likely have the edge. Missouri has been solid in this area, but Drake’s physicality and size, led by Brodie, could provide them with the advantage.

A Battle of Styles

The opening round matchup between the Missouri Tigers and the Drake Bulldogs promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest. Both teams bring unique strengths to the table, and their contrasting styles of play will make for an intriguing game. Missouri’s high-paced offense and swarming defense will be tested by Drake’s disciplined, methodical approach and strong rebounding.

As both teams prepare for a crucial game in the NCAA Tournament, the key will be which team can impose its style on the game and execute under the pressure of March Madness. Missouri will look to utilize its athleticism and fast breaks to wear down Drake, while the Bulldogs will aim to slow the game down and execute in their half-court sets.

With the tournament stakes on the line, fans can expect a thrilling contest that could go down to the wire. The winner will advance to the next round with their tournament dreams still alive, while the loser will face the harsh reality of being sent home early. Regardless of the outcome, this matchup will be one to remember in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.