Northern Iowa Dominates Drake in Convincing Win
Sunday, March 1, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Knapp Center
Northern Iowa Panthers 75, Drake Bulldogs 53, 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 Northern Iowa Panthers vs Drake Bulldogs?
Northern Iowa Panthers beat Drake Bulldogs 75-53 at Knapp Center on March 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Iowa Panthers vs Drake Bulldogs?
Northern Iowa Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Northern Iowa Panthers defeated the Drake Bulldogs 75-53 at the Knapp Center. This victory further solidified Northern Iowa's strong season, moving their record to 19-12, while Drake fell to 12-19. The game showcased Northern Iowa's ability to dominate, especially in the second half, where they outscored Drake significantly.
Northern Iowa entered the game with a record of 6-4 over their last ten outings, though they were on a two-game losing streak prior to this contest. Their recent performance included a notable win against Indiana State, where they scored 81 points, showcasing their offensive capabilities. On average, the Panthers had scored 73.1 points while allowing only 64.8 in their last ten games, indicating a solid defensive effort that was evident in their performance against Drake.
Conversely, Drake's recent form has been troubling, as they have lost their last eight games, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten. Their scoring average during this stretch was 73.7 points, but they allowed a staggering 80.3 points per game, highlighting their defensive struggles. The Bulldogs' last five games saw them average only 68 points while allowing 77.4, which contributed to their ongoing difficulties in securing victories.
At home, Drake's record was 1-4 in their last five games, while Northern Iowa had a more balanced away record of 2-2 in their last four games. This home disadvantage for Drake was evident as they faced a Northern Iowa team that had previously defeated them 86-62 just two weeks prior, marking a significant trend in their head-to-head meetings. Northern Iowa now holds a 2-1 advantage in their last three matchups against Drake.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the impact of player availability can often shift the dynamics of such games. Both teams, however, appeared to field their regular rosters for this matchup.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Northern Iowa favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 137.5. This indicated a belief in Northern Iowa's ability to outperform Drake, which they did convincingly. The odds reflected a strong confidence in Northern Iowa's capabilities, particularly given their recent performances.
The conditions at the Knapp Center were conducive for basketball, and both teams had the opportunity to showcase their skills. Northern Iowa's strategy was clear as they executed effectively, with key plays from players like Ben Schwieger and Hunter Jacobson, who made significant contributions to the scoreline.
As the game progressed, Northern Iowa's dominance became apparent, particularly in the second half where they extended their lead significantly. Key moments included Schwieger's 24-foot three-point jumper and Jacobson's long-range shot, which were pivotal in maintaining their lead. The Panthers' ability to capitalize on offensive opportunities while stifling Drake's scoring efforts was a hallmark of their performance.
Ultimately, this game served as a reminder of the challenges facing Drake as they continue to struggle, while Northern Iowa looks to build on this momentum as they approach the end of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNI -4.5 | 137.5 o -110 / u -110 | Northern Iowa Panthers -192 · Drake Bulldogs +160 |
Leaders
- PointsEli Shetlar15Drake Bulldogs
- AssistsOwen Larson3Drake Bulldogs
- ReboundsAndrew Alia8Drake Bulldogs
- PointsWill Hornseth16Northern Iowa Panthers
- AssistsWill Hornseth4Northern Iowa Panthers
- ReboundsTrey Campbell8Northern Iowa Panthers
Recent form
Drake Bulldogs
Last 10: 2-8Streak L873.7 scored · 80.3 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L71-74at Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 26
- L61-66vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 19
- L62-86at Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 15
- 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
Northern Iowa Panthers
Last 10: 6-4Streak L273.1 scored · 64.8 allowed per game2-2 away
- L69-71vs Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 26
- L57-59vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 21
- W81-60at Indiana State SycamoresFeb 19
- W86-62vs Drake BulldogsFeb 15
- 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
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 | Northern Iowa Panthers | Drake Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-59 | 18-58 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 31 |
| Three-pointers | 10-25 | 9-37 |
| Three-point % | 40 | 24 |
| Free throws | 9-12 | 8-11 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 25 |
| Assists | 14 | 9 |
| Steals | 8 | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 26 | 4 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 16 |
| Fouls | 14 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 25 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 83 | 10 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half26-22Max Weisbrod makes 26-foot three point jumper (Will Hornseth assists)
- 1st Half27-22Leon Bond III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half28-22Leon Bond III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half31-22Max Weisbrod makes 26-foot three point jumper (Trey Campbell assists)
- 1st Half31-24Jalen Quinn makes 13-foot jumper
- 1st Half33-24Ben Schwieger makes layup (Geon Hutchins assists)
- 1st Half35-24Ben Schwieger makes driving layup
- 1st Half36-24Ben Schwieger makes free throw 1 of 1
- 1st Half39-24Will Hornseth makes 25-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half40-24Tristan Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-26Okku Federiko makes 1-foot dunk (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half42-26Tristan Smith makes layup (Will Hornseth assists)
- 2nd Half45-26Leon Bond III makes 26-foot three point jumper (Will Hornseth assists)
- 2nd Half45-29Owen Larson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Eli Shetlar assists)
- 2nd Half45-32Eli Shetlar makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half47-32Tristan Smith makes 8-foot jumper (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half49-32Tristan Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-32Tristan Smith makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half50-34Owen Larson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-35Owen Larson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half50-37Wilguens Jr. Exacte makes layup
- 2nd Half50-40Owen Larson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Andrew Alia assists)
- 2nd Half53-40Trey Campbell makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-43Wilguens Jr. Exacte makes 25-foot three point jumper (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half55-43Will Hornseth makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-44Wilguens Jr. Exacte makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-46Jalen Quinn makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-46Will Hornseth makes 3-foot dunk (Leon Bond III assists)
- 2nd Half60-46Ben Schwieger makes 26-foot three point jumper (Will Hornseth assists)
- 2nd Half60-47Owen Larson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-48Owen Larson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-48Trey Campbell makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-49Wilguens Jr. Exacte makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-49Ben Schwieger makes layup (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half66-49Tristan Smith makes 3-foot dunk (Leon Bond III assists)
- 2nd Half69-49Ben Schwieger makes 24-foot three point jumper (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half72-49Hunter Jacobson makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half72-50Okku Federiko makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-50Kyle Pock makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ismael Diouf assists)
- 2nd Half75-53Eli Shetlar makes 23-foot three point jumper (Okku Federiko assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Drake Bulldogs, below favours Northern Iowa Panthers.
Venue
- Knapp CenterDes Moines, IA
- Attendance4488
- OfficialsKipp Kissinger, Brooks Wells, Chance Moore
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Picks for NCAAB
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- Northern Iowa Dominates Drake in Convincing WinFeb 15, 2026