WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Joseph Yesufu scored 21 points and Drake beat Wichita State 53-52 in the First Four.
It was Bulldogs' first NCAA Tournament win in a half-century. Drake's last tournament victory had been 50 years ago to the day —- March 18, 1971, against Notre Dame.
The Bulldogs came in with 25 wins, second most in the tournament. Their tense matchup with a longtime Missouri Valley Conference rival brought some early drama to the pandemic-affected tourney.
Wichita State had a chance to win at the buzzer but Alterique Gilbert settled for a long 3-pointer that hit the front rim.