Defense has put the Drake men in the drivers seat in the Missouri Valley Conference race. The Bulldogs are 11-2 and have a two game lead over Bradley and UNI with seven to play. They host Indiana State on Saturday. In their last outing the Bulldogs gave up only 45 points in a road win against Murray State.

That’s Drake coach Ben McCollum who says defense has helped the Bulldogs overcome deficiencies on the offensive end.

McCollum says defense will remain the key during the stretch run.

The Bulldogs are 21-2 overall.