Drake takes a 5-1 Missouri Valley record on the road to Illinois State Wednesday night. The Bulldogs beat the Redbirds 88-71 in Des Moines two weeks ago.

That’s Drake coach Darian DeVries who feels the Bulldogs are making strides on defense.

DeVries says defense is the key to winning on the road and Saturday’s 18-point win at Southern Illinois was an example.

Illinois State is 2-4 in the Valley.