Only one game into the NCAA Tournament, the madness has already begun. After trailing for much of the game–and facing a double-digit first-half deficit–the Drake Bulldogs escaped their match against the Wichita State Shockers to propel themselves into the round of 64.
For a team that hadn't won a game in March Madness since 1971, the Bulldogs certainly have the same flair for the dramatics that define other tournament mainstays.
50 YEARS IN THE MAKING! 👏
Drake battles past Wichita State 53-52 for its first #MarchMadness win since 1971! #FirstFour pic.twitter.com/jF98askqPQ
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2021
While Drake will undoubtedly savor the victory, the Bulldogs were only inches away from heartbreak. Having overcome an early 21-10 advantage by the Shockers to take a slim four-point lead with under 20 seconds remaining, Drake endured a wild sequence that nearly cost them the match.
After stealing a low-post pass from the Shockers, the Bulldogs appeared in an excellent position to secure the game before coughing up a turnover of their own only moments later that led to a wide-open three-point shot by Wichita State that trimmed the lead to a single point.
Oh my god. Chaos at the end of Drake vs. Wichita State 😳
(via @TSN_Sports)pic.twitter.com/yzsRxbfpjN
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) March 19, 2021
Though Drake regained possession and earned a trip to the charity-stripe to help extend the lead, the Bulldogs could only convert one of two free throws, opening the door for a last-second shot by the Shockers to earn a win.
With the team out of timeouts and only 4.3 seconds remaining, Wichita State guard Alterique Gilbert sped the ball up the court before stopping on a dime just above the arc to launch a leaning three-point attempt for the win. Unfortunately for the Shockers, the shot was just short, bouncing off the front of the rim and sending the Bulldogs into a match against the USC Trojans later this weekend.
SURVIVE AND ADVANCE! 😱
Drake will square off with USC in the First Round after beating Wichita State in a thriller! #FirstFour #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/1ZIxEtMMCj
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2021
For two more days, at least, the Drake Bulldogs will get to keep dancing.