Drake Bulldogs Edge Out Evansville Purple Aces 66-65
Sunday, December 21, 2025, 4:00 PM ET · Ford Center
Drake Bulldogs 66, Evansville Purple Aces 65, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Drake Bulldogs vs Evansville Purple Aces?
Drake Bulldogs beat Evansville Purple Aces 66-65 at Ford Center on December 21, 2025.
Who was favored in Drake Bulldogs vs Evansville Purple Aces?
Evansville Purple Aces were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup at the Ford Center, the Drake Bulldogs narrowly defeated the Evansville Purple Aces with a final score of 66-65. This game was notable as it marked the third consecutive loss for Evansville, who now holds a home record of 2-5 this season. The Purple Aces have struggled recently, with a record of 3-7 over their last ten games and an average of 69.4 points scored per game, while allowing 74.9 points. Their most recent outing before this game was a loss to the Belmont Bruins, where they fell 78-83.
On the other hand, the Bulldogs, despite their own challenges, came into this game with a 5-5 record over their last ten games. They have averaged 80.6 points scored while allowing 68.2 points during that stretch. However, they were also on a three-game losing streak, having lost their previous game against the Murray State Racers 72-81. Drake's away record stands at 1-1, while their overall record is 7-6.
The matchup was significant not just for the standings but also for the historical context, as Evansville had lost both of their previous meetings with Drake this season, with scores of 61-65 and 40-63. The Purple Aces were looking to turn the tide in this encounter but ultimately fell short.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams have faced challenges in maintaining consistent lineups throughout the season. This can often play a crucial role in the performance of teams, particularly in close games such as this one.
As for the betting market, DraftKings had the Purple Aces favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 141.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, with Evansville's moneyline at -142.0 and Drake's at 120.0. This indicates a belief in a closely matched contest, which was indeed the case as the game unfolded.
The game itself featured several key scoring plays that highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest. In the second half, Connor Turnbull made a crucial layup to extend Drake's lead to 62-57. AJ Casey then made free throws to narrow the gap to 62-59 before Jaehshon Thomas hit a jumper to push the Bulldogs' lead to 64-59. Evansville responded with a three-pointer from Alex Hemenway, bringing the score to 64-62, but Wilguens Jr. Exacte's layup for Drake made it 66-62.
In the closing moments, Connor Turnbull scored again for Drake, making it 66-64, but Hemenway's free throw brought Evansville to within one point at 66-65. Despite their efforts, the Purple Aces could not secure the win, marking a disappointing end to their night.
Overall, the matchup showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Bulldogs managing to edge out the Purple Aces in a thrilling finish. Fans watching the game were treated to a display of resilience and determination from both sides, making it a memorable encounter in the NCAAB season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | EVAN -2.5 | 141.5 o -115 / u -105 | Drake Bulldogs +120 · Evansville Purple Aces -142 |
Leaders
- PointsConnor Turnbull20Evansville Purple Aces
- AssistsLeif Moeller3Evansville Purple Aces
- ReboundsConnor Turnbull15Evansville Purple Aces
- PointsJaehshon Thomas18Drake Bulldogs
- AssistsJaehshon Thomas2Drake Bulldogs
- ReboundsEli Shetlar7Drake Bulldogs
Recent form
Evansville Purple Aces
Last 10: 3-7Streak L369.4 scored · 74.9 allowed per game2-5 at home
- L78-83vs Belmont BruinsDec 17
- L58-82at Notre Dame Fighting IrishDec 13
- L79-80at Western Kentucky HilltoppersDec 6
- W64-52vs Ball State CardinalsDec 4
- L59-78vs Charleston CougarsNov 24
- L59-97vs Akron ZipsNov 24
- W73-69at Oregon State BeaversNov 22
- L76-84vs UT Arlington MavericksNov 19
- L72-77vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersNov 13
- W76-47vs Oakland City Mighty OaksNov 9
Drake Bulldogs
Last 10: 5-5Streak L380.6 scored · 68.2 allowed per game1-1 away
- L72-81at Murray State RacersDec 19
- L94-99vs North Dakota State BisonDec 13
- L69-74vs UAB BlazersDec 6
- W108-57vs Western Illinois LeathernecksDec 3
- W84-74vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsNov 29
- L62-71vs LSU TigersNov 29
- W98-52vs Buena Vista BeaversNov 22
- W71-62at Charleston CougarsNov 18
- L59-61vs SIU Edwardsville CougarsNov 15
- W89-51vs Simpson (IA) StormNov 11
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Drake Bulldogs | Evansville Purple Aces |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-57 | 21-53 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 9-25 | 7-23 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 30 |
| Free throws | 5-11 | 16-22 |
| Free throw % | 45 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 25 |
| Assists | 13 | 10 |
| Steals | 7 | 8 |
| Blocks | 0 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 24 |
| Fouls | 20 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 61 | 38 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half29-26Connor Turnbull makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half29-27Connor Turnbull makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-27Wilguens Jr. Exacte makes layup (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half33-27Jaehshon Thomas makes layup
- 2nd Half35-27Jaehshon Thomas makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half35-29Connor Turnbull makes 6-foot jumper (Joshua Hughes assists)
- 2nd Half38-29Jaehshon Thomas makes 24-foot three point jumper (Griffen Goodbary assists)
- 2nd Half38-31Connor Turnbull makes 11-foot jumper (Bryce Quinet assists)
- 2nd Half40-31Jalen Quinn makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half40-33Connor Turnbull makes 8-foot jumper (Leif Moeller assists)
- 2nd Half41-33Griffen Goodbary makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-33Griffen Goodbary makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-33Jalen Quinn makes layup
- 2nd Half47-33Eli Shetlar makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half47-35Keishon Porter makes layup
- 2nd Half47-36Keishon Porter makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half49-36Griffen Goodbary makes layup (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half49-39Trent Hundley makes 26-foot three point jumper (Leif Moeller assists)
- 2nd Half52-39Griffen Goodbary makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half52-40Joshua Hughes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-42AJ Casey makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half54-42Jalen Quinn makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half54-45Trent Hundley makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half54-47AJ Casey makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half54-49AJ Casey makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half54-50Leif Moeller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-51Leif Moeller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-51Wilguens Jr. Exacte makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaehshon Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half59-51Okku Federiko makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half59-54Alex Hemenway makes 25-foot three point jumper (Leif Moeller assists)
- 2nd Half62-54Okku Federiko makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaehshon Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half62-55Alex Hemenway makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-57Connor Turnbull makes layup
- 2nd Half62-58AJ Casey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-59AJ Casey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-59Jaehshon Thomas makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half64-62Alex Hemenway makes 25-foot three point jumper (Bryce Quinet assists)
- 2nd Half66-62Wilguens Jr. Exacte makes layup
- 2nd Half66-64Connor Turnbull makes layup
- 2nd Half66-65Alex Hemenway makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Evansville Purple Aces, below favours Drake Bulldogs.
Venue
- Ford CenterEvansville, IN
- Attendance4207
- OfficialsJeff Campbell, John Hendricks, Gary Maxwell
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond