Drake basketball triumphed over Evansville in the quarterfinals of the MVC Tournament.

The Drake men’s basketball team is gaining momentum in March with the addition of fresh guards Colby Garland and Kyron Gibson, who contributed 21 key minutes each, helping the team maintain a frenetic pace and push Evansville out of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament.

Garland emphasized the importance of defense in the team’s strategy, stating that everyone can contribute to the team’s success, even if it means making plays for each other. This was evident in a quarterfinal matchup against Drake, where they secured a 79-58 victory.

Garland and Gibson contributed significantly to the Bulldogs’ victory, with Garland scoring six points, three rebounds, and an assist, while Gibson scored 10 points and added a steal, ensuring no Drake starter played more than 28 minutes.

Drake,

featuring Kevin Overton, Conor Enright, Atin Wright, and Tucker DeVries, is a formidable team with four outstanding guards. However, their ability to generate a double burst of energy off the bench may set them apart.

Senior forward Gibson, who transferred from Texas-Arlington last season, believes his experience from the bench and playing roles gives him an advantage. Despite the Mavericks’ 11-21 record, Gibson has found a new home and is now averaging 3.8 points for Drake, despite being happier with his role.

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Garland, a left-handed player, joined Drake University due to the winning culture and the desire to take the next step. He has a history of winning state high school titles, including two in Arkansas, despite a severe injury from an ATV accident. Garland, who is left-handed, has become a catch-and-shoot player, which has helped his team win, despite the discomfort he still experiences.

Gibson prioritized team success over playing time when choosing a college. Coach DeVries advised freshman players to play defense and be physical. Gibson aimed to make an impact immediately and work their way into the lineup. Garland, averaging 5.8 points and 2.4 assists, earned a spot on the Valley’s all-bench team, demonstrating his ability to contribute effectively.

The Bulldogs faced Evansville, who had broken a seven-game losing streak with an opening-round win over Illinois State. They used all six guards to keep the 10th-seeded Purple Aces on their heels. Drake’s depth led to a 22-4 run in the final eight minutes, with Tucker DeVries leading the way with 19 points and six assists. Wright added 12 points.

The Bulldogs advanced to face the winner of Friday’s late Bradley-Illinois-Chicago contest on Saturday. Garland and Gibson played their roles perfectly, and the Bulldogs took advantage of the hard-fought game and the crowd’s support, feeling like a Drake home game. The game was televised on CBS Sports Network.

The Des Moines Register reported that Drake basketball defeated Evansville in the quarterfinals of the MVC Tournament.

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