Drake will be without second lead scorer Ben Simons tonight (Wednesday), when the Bulldogs visit Illinois State. The junior forward missed Saturday’s loss to Missouri State after being diagnosed with mononucleosis. Drake coach Mark Phelps expects the Bulldogs to play better without Simons now that they have had a few days to adjust. His absence is a tough blow to the Bulldogs who stand 6-7 in the Valley and 13-11 overall. Drake beat Illinois State in the first matchup in Des Moines. The Redbirds are 7-6 in the league race.