Northern Iowa Dominates Drake in Convincing Win
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · McLeod Center
Northern Iowa Panthers 86, Drake Bulldogs 62, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Drake Bulldogs vs Northern Iowa Panthers?
Northern Iowa Panthers beat Drake Bulldogs 86-62 at McLeod Center on February 15, 2026.
Who was favored in Drake Bulldogs vs Northern Iowa Panthers?
Northern Iowa Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -470 (about 82% implied). The favorite won.
The Northern Iowa Panthers delivered a commanding performance against the Drake Bulldogs, winning decisively with a final score of 86-62. This matchup was significant not only for the teams' standings but also because it showcased the Panthers asserting their dominance at home in the McLeod Center. Northern Iowa improved its record to 18-10, while Drake fell to 12-17.
In the lead-up to this game, Northern Iowa had a mixed record of 4-6 in their last ten games, with an average of 66.6 points scored and 65.3 points allowed. Their recent form included a loss to Belmont just two days prior, where they fell 91-86, but they had shown resilience in previous outings, including a strong 89-60 victory over Murray State. At home, they had performed slightly better, with a record of 3-1 in their last four home games.
Conversely, Drake's struggles were evident as they entered the game on a five-game losing streak, having scored an average of 78.7 points while allowing 81.4 points during their last ten games. Their most recent defeat came against UIC, where they lost 80-70. Drake's away record was particularly concerning, as they had only managed to win 2 of their last 5 away games.
Historically, this matchup had not favored Northern Iowa, as they had lost both previous encounters against Drake in the 2025 season, including a 64-58 loss at home. This context added an extra layer of motivation for the Panthers to turn their fortunes around.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either side, suggesting both teams were at full strength for this critical game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Northern Iowa favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 138.5. The moneyline odds reflected a strong belief in a Panthers victory, with Northern Iowa priced at -470 and Drake at +360.
The game conditions were favorable for both teams, with no adverse weather or venue issues reported. Fans at the McLeod Center witnessed a strong showing from the Panthers, who consistently built their lead throughout the game.
Key moments in the game included a series of scoring plays in the second half that highlighted Northern Iowa's offensive prowess. Max Weisbrod made a notable 27-foot three-point jumper, assisted by Trey Campbell, contributing to the Panthers' growing lead. RJ Taylor also made significant contributions, scoring with ease from mid-range, while Drake struggled to keep pace.
Overall, Northern Iowa's victory was a statement win, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and at home, while Drake will need to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings as they look to end their losing streak.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNI -8.5 | 138.5 o -112 / u -108 | Drake Bulldogs +360 · Northern Iowa Panthers -470 |
Leaders
- PointsMax Weisbrod18Northern Iowa Panthers
- AssistsTrey Campbell8Northern Iowa Panthers
- ReboundsTristan Smith7Northern Iowa Panthers
- PointsJalen Quinn20Drake Bulldogs
- AssistsOkku Federiko2Drake Bulldogs
- ReboundsJalen Quinn5Drake Bulldogs
Recent form
Northern Iowa Panthers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L166.6 scored · 65.3 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L86-91at Belmont BruinsFeb 13
- W89-60at Murray State RacersFeb 10
- W61-49vs Bradley BravesFeb 7
- W71-55vs Evansville Purple AcesJan 31
- L50-65at Southern Illinois SalukisJan 29
- W81-76vs Murray State RacersJan 24
- L54-59at Illinois State RedbirdsJan 22
- L44-54at Valparaiso BeaconsJan 17
- L61-69vs UIC FlamesJan 14
- L69-75at Bradley BravesJan 10
Drake Bulldogs
Last 10: 4-6Streak L578.7 scored · 81.4 allowed per game2-3 away
- L70-80vs UIC FlamesFeb 13
- L76-81vs Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 10
- L76-86at Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 7
- L90-103at Belmont BruinsFeb 4
- L73-87vs Bradley BravesJan 31
- W82-78vs Evansville Purple AcesJan 29
- W76-62at Indiana State SycamoresJan 24
- W101-90vs Murray State RacersJan 22
- L67-74at UIC FlamesJan 17
- W76-73at Southern Illinois SalukisJan 15
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 | Northern Iowa Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-54 | 31-57 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 7-24 | 12-29 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 41 |
| Free throws | 11-17 | 12-13 |
| Free throw % | 65 | 92 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 28 |
| Assists | 10 | 22 |
| Steals | 4 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 32 |
| Fouls | 14 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 31 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 12 | 82 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half29-43Will Hornseth makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half31-43Okku Federiko makes layup (Eli Shetlar assists)
- 2nd Half33-43Okku Federiko makes layup (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half33-45Leon Bond III makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half33-47Leon Bond III makes 4-foot dunk (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half35-47Jalen Quinn makes layup (Okku Federiko assists)
- 2nd Half35-49Will Hornseth makes layup
- 2nd Half35-50Will Hornseth makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half36-50Griffen Goodbary makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-50Griffen Goodbary makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-53Max Weisbrod makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ben Schwieger assists)
- 2nd Half39-53Jalen Quinn makes layup
- 2nd Half39-56Ben Schwieger makes 26-foot three point jumper (Will Hornseth assists)
- 2nd Half41-56Owen Larson makes layup
- 2nd Half43-56Owen Larson makes layup
- 2nd Half43-58Tristan Smith makes 4-foot hook shot (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half43-60Tristan Smith makes layup (Ben Schwieger assists)
- 2nd Half45-60Jalen Quinn makes layup
- 2nd Half45-61Tristan Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-62Tristan Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-63Will Hornseth makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-66Leon Bond III makes 26-foot three point jumper (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half45-68Will Hornseth makes layup (RJ Taylor assists)
- 2nd Half48-68Griffen Goodbary makes 27-foot three point jumper (Andrew Alia assists)
- 2nd Half51-68Jalen Quinn makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half51-70Will Hornseth makes layup (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half51-71Will Hornseth makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-73Will Hornseth makes 3-foot dunk (Ben Schwieger assists)
- 2nd Half51-74Will Hornseth makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-76Will Hornseth makes layup (Max Weisbrod assists)
- 2nd Half51-79Max Weisbrod makes 29-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half54-79Eli Shetlar makes 25-foot three point jumper (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half54-82Max Weisbrod makes 27-foot three point jumper (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half55-82Griffen Goodbary makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-84RJ Taylor makes 15-foot jumper (Tristan Smith assists)
- 2nd Half55-86RJ Taylor makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half57-86Eli Shetlar makes layup
- 2nd Half58-86Jaehshon Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-86Jaehshon Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-86Braden Appelhans makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jaehshon Thomas assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Northern Iowa Panthers, below favours Drake Bulldogs.
Venue
- McLeod CenterCedar Falls, IA
- Attendance5786
- OfficialsD.J. Carstensen, Doug Sirmons, Brooks Wells
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