Who's Playing

Drake @ Northern Iowa

Current Records: Drake 13-6; Northern Iowa 9-8

What to Know

The Northern Iowa Panthers lost both of their matches to the Drake Bulldogs last season on scores of 59-80 and 69-77, so they're hoping to turn the tables this season. The Panthers and Drake will face off in a Missouri Valley battle at 6 p.m. ET Saturday at McLeod Center. Northern Iowa is out to keep their four-game home win streak alive.

Northern Iowa was close but no cigar on Wednesday as they fell 83-80 to the Valparaiso Beacons. One thing holding Northern Iowa back was the mediocre play of guard Nate Heise, who did not have his best game: he finished with only nine points on 3-for-10 shooting in his 35 minutes on the court.

Meanwhile, Drake ended up a good deal behind the Bradley Braves when they played on Wednesday, losing 83-71. That makes it the first time this season the Bulldogs have let down their home crowd. Drake's loss came about despite a quality game from guard Garrett Sturtz, who had 15 points along with eight boards.

Barring any buzzer beaters, the Panthers are expected to win a tight contest. But bettors beware: they are only 2-9 against the spread when favored.

Both of these teams will be looking to put their recent losses behind them and walk away with a win. We'll see which team satisfies their hunger and which team leaves with an empty stomach.

How To Watch

  • When: Saturday at 6 p.m. ET
  • Where: McLeod Center -- Cedar Falls, Iowa
  • TV: ESPN University
  • Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Ticket Cost: $40.00

Odds

The Panthers are a slight 2-point favorite against the Bulldogs, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Panthers as a 2.5-point favorite.

Over/Under: -110

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Series History

Northern Iowa have won nine out of their last 14 games against Drake.

  • Feb 17, 2021 - Drake 77 vs. Northern Iowa 69
  • Feb 10, 2021 - Drake 80 vs. Northern Iowa 59
  • Mar 06, 2020 - Drake 77 vs. Northern Iowa 56
  • Feb 29, 2020 - Northern Iowa 70 vs. Drake 43
  • Feb 08, 2020 - Northern Iowa 83 vs. Drake 73
  • Mar 09, 2019 - Northern Iowa 60 vs. Drake 58
  • Feb 09, 2019 - Drake 83 vs. Northern Iowa 77
  • Jan 13, 2019 - Northern Iowa 57 vs. Drake 54
  • Feb 10, 2018 - Drake 71 vs. Northern Iowa 64
  • Jan 16, 2018 - Northern Iowa 68 vs. Drake 54
  • Jan 28, 2017 - Northern Iowa 71 vs. Drake 63
  • Jan 15, 2017 - Northern Iowa 79 vs. Drake 60
  • Feb 06, 2016 - Northern Iowa 82 vs. Drake 66
  • Jan 09, 2016 - Northern Iowa 77 vs. Drake 44