(Radio Iowa) – First place in the Missouri Valley race will be on the line beginning today (Saturday) in Des Moines, when Drake hosts Loyola to open a two game series. The Ramblers are ranked 22nd and enter with a 12-1 Valley mark. Drake is 10-1 after a Wednesday night win over UNI. Drake coach Darian DeVries feels his team regained its edge against the Panthers.

DeVries says Loyola is impressive on defense.

DeVries says both teams are in the hunt for an NCAA at-large bid and that helps the entire conference.

Loyola is 17-3 overall and enters with a 10-game winning streak.