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.

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.

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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.

For two more days, at least, the Drake Bulldogs will get to keep dancing.