The Bulldogs have been one of the biggest surprises of this college basketball season. How'd they do it? By hiring a Division II coach and bringing on a slew of his players to face the big boys of D-I.

Drake basketball heads to Arch Madness with a solid at-large resume, but hoping to get another chance to cut down some nets.

Drake coach Ben McCollum just wins. Google him. He could be a smart fit for Indiana men's basketball job, especially if the 'big fish' aren't biting.

The Bulldogs (27-3, 17-3) rallied late at the Knapp Center, defeating the Bears, 68-60, in the final regular-season game of the season. Drake will be the No. 1 seed in this week's conference tournament in St. Louis.

Valparaiso, Indiana; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Drake plays Valparaiso after Katie Dinnebier scored 36 points in Drake's 80-79 victory over the Northern Iowa Panthers. The Beacons have gone 7-5 at home.

Drake and Northern Iowa went head-to-head Sunday at the McLeod Center with the top spot in the conference on the line. A Bulldogs win would guarantee a share of the Valley’s regular-season title; a Panthers win would mean a two-way tie for first place.