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Drake Bulldogs Tip-Off 2025-26 Season with Home Doubleheader
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The Drake Bulldogs basketball team has begun its 2025-26 campaign and returns to the knapp Center to host a pair of games, welcoming 2025 NCAA tournament participant robert Morris on Thursday, November 6, followed by a November 10 matchup against Simpson College.
Bulldogs Secure Season-Opening Victory
Drake opened the season with a 77-71 victory over Northern Arizona on Monday, as part of the Field of 68’s Opening Day Marathon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.The Bulldogs, under the direction of first-year head coach Eric Henderson, demonstrated resilience by overcoming an 11-point second-half deficit. Henderson became the 19th coach in Drake history to win his coaching debut with the program. the team boasts a strong history in season openers, having won nine consecutive contests and holding an all-time record of 80-40 in such games.
dominating Home Court Advantage
Drake has established a formidable presence at home, maintaining a 49-game winning streak against non-conference opponents. The Bulldogs will look to extend this notable run throughout their seven non-conference games scheduled for the 2025-26 season.
Key Players to Watch for Drake
Leading the charge for Drake is Jalen Quinn, averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Jaehshon Thomas contributes 15.0 points and 2.0 rebounds,while Wilguens Jr. Exacte adds 14.0 points, a team-high 12.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
Scouting Robert Morris
The Colonials enter Des Moines as the defending Horizon League champions, despite a recent 101-69 loss to Iowa. Robert Morris features a roster comprised of three returning players and 12 newcomers, and was predicted to finish fourth in the Horizon League this season. Head coach Andy Toole, in his 16th season, has a career record of 252-242. Thursday’s game will mark the first-ever meeting between Drake and Robert Morris. Key players for the Colonials include Nikolaos Chitikoudis (14.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, .636 FG%), Ryan Prather Jr. (12.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.0 apg), and DeSean Goode (11.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, .667 FG%).
A Look at Simpson College
Simpson College will make the short trip to Des Moines for an exhibition game against the Bulldogs. the Storm were selected eighth in the American Rivers Conference preseason poll and will begin their regular season on Friday, November 7, against Benedictine. Drake holds a 28-13 all-time series lead over Simpson,having won the last six meetings dating back to a 98-53 victory in the 2019-20 season.The series dates back to 1907, with simpson claiming the first contest
