Cats and Dogs

Saturday night, Linda and I went to our first Drake men's basketball game as they hosted the University of Northern Iowa in a Missouri Valley clash that could go a long way toward determining the mythical state championship. The Panthers and Bulldogs both had beaten Iowa and Iowa State so a win here would be a big step toward the title. Because these two face each other once more, tonight wouldn't settle it.

The game was closely contested throughout the first half with the advantage probably going to the Panthers. After a very high energy, highly entertaining drum and dance company, the Bulldogs began a methodical series of possesions that produced points and stingy defense that denied UNI. As the minutes wound down, the Drake lead crept further ahead. In the end, the 'dogs won 74-61 and the students stormed the court to celebrate with their coach, Dr. Tom Davis, and victorious team.

The Knapp Center was filled to the rafters and rocked with cheers for either team. It was one of the most entertaining games we'd seen.