Drake has the best player (also the coach’s son) they are deep and they can fill it. Plus they are a very good D rebounding team which negates WSU’s strength. Also the Cougs are less formidable away from the Palouse. Love the Drake

Drake is the best defensive rebounding team in the country, which is key against a Wazzu team that usually has the edge on the glass due to their size. The Bulldogs have experience, making the tourney last year and losing to a Miami team that reached the Final Four. Drake ranks #27 in the country in eFG% and #14 in turnover rate.

Four different Bulldogs players have made 42 or more 3-point field goals, with Tucker DeVries leading the pack with 84 and Atin Wright following closely with 60. Drake has a solid 37% 3-point shooting average and hits almost nine 3-pointers per game. DeVries is the best player in the MVC, averaging nearly 22 points per game and leading Drake in rebounding, assists, and steals. He is a big-time NBA prospect. Washington State has lost nine road/neutral site games, including Arizona State (129th at Kenpom) and California (123rd). The Cougars rank 268th in free throw percentage, while Drake ranks 38th. Washington State shouldn't be seeded this high. I like the Bulldogs to advance!

This is a great matchup and overall location for Drake. My simulations make the Bulldogs -2.5 favorites against Washington State.

Love the Drake in this matchup. The Bulldogs had Miami on the ropes last year before blowing a lead in the final two minutes. Now Drake is back and there's a lot to like. The Bulldogs are the top defensive rebounding team in CBB and they have a star in guard Tucker DeVries, who can shoot the lights out. Washington State overachieved in a weak Pac-12 this year. The Cougars do a lot of damage on the offensive boards and Drake should be able to negate that. Bottom line: I think the wrong team is favored. I make Drake -2 in this matchup, so grab them early. I won't be surprised if the Bulldogs close as favorites.