Kronberg's Korner: McMurray, Bulldogs start league play right way

DES MOINES —  De'Antae McMurray's transition from the junior college level to Division I has been tricky at times.

McMurray's starting to find his role for the Drake men's basketball team.

McMurray's skill offensively shined Thursday as Drake held on for a 102-98 win over Loyola (IL) at the Knapp Center in the Bulldogs' Missouri Valley Conference opener.

McMurray was on fire in all phases in scoring a career-high 24 points. He was 7-of-14 from the floor including 3-of-6 from 3-point range. McMurray was 7-of-8 at the free throw line, including 5-of-6 at the line in the final two minutes.

"We expect that out of him every night," said Drake junior guard Reid Timmer. "We have high expectations for him. He might not have a career night, but that's not something that's out of line for us."

McMurray's confidence grew after every made shot.

Having another weapon offensively besides Timmer will help the Bulldogs be more dynamic offensively.

"We knew he was capable of it," Timmer said. "He's someone who has really developed. We know he has that potential."

Timmer added 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 9-of-9 at the line. Billy Wampler had 16 points, Ore Argundade scored 15 and Nick McGlynn had 12 points, as the Bulldogs finished with five in double figures offensively.

Drake's unselfishness offensively caused fits for Loyola's defense.

"They want to play so much for one another," said interim coach Jeff Rutter. "If we do that, we can really do some big things."

Drake had 17 assists as well.

"They are guys who made great plays, sharing the ball so many different guys knocking down shots," Rutter said. "That's exciting knowing its not one or two guys. Teams can look at us say they have 12 bullets, how stop these guys?"

Drake executed from all over the court, whether it was driving to the basket in transition or shooting from downtown.

"If we can continue to push in transition, space the floor, keep sharing and execute, we can do big things offensively," Ruter said.

For Drake, the win shook some demons from earlier this season. The Bulldogs had a 15-point second half lead at DePaul, but fell.

The memories of the game in Chicago came back against another Chicago team Thursday. Drake led by 20, 89-69, with 4:41 to go.

Loyola forced six Drake turnovers, and the Ramblers used them to go on a 16-0 run and cut the lead to 89-85.

Drake pushed it back to nine, 94-85.

Loyola cut it to four on three occasions in the final 53 seconds but Drake held on.

"I sure did. No pun intended, but maybe there's still some demons we're trying to shake off," Rutter said of the earlier season loss to the Blue Demons. "I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't a little nervous."

Drake went 9-of-10 at the free throw line in the final 2 minutes, two seconds.

"The DePaul game helped us," Timmer said. "We've had different games where the experience has helped us moving forward."

Loyola's press late flustered Drake, giving the Bulldogs something to work on in practice.

"We've faced some pressing teams two of the last three games and done fairly well against pressing teams," Rutter said. "There's some things we can learn from, grow from."

What Drake did for the first 36 minutes in building the sizable lead is something the Bulldogs can take plenty from.

"The positive plays certainly outweigh the negatives," Rutter said. "I'm super proud of our guys the way they prepared. They played with confidence, with aggressiveness, sharing the ball. It was a great team win starting off conference play."

As the clock hit all zeroes, the only thing that mattered was that the Bulldogs came away with their second consecutive win and a win in the league opener.

For a Bulldogs squad that's been through so many tough losses early this season, seen turmoil within the program as head coach Ray Giacoletti resigned after the Fresno State game, momentum in the right direction is breathing life into the team and the Knapp Center.

"It's sky-high," Rutter said. "It's great. I'm so happy for these guys. I'm proud of their resiliency. We talk about Mississippi Valley game being a springboard game (a 101-69 Bulldogs win on Dec. 22). This needs be looked at as a springboard game."

Even though Thursday's game was a little too close late, the Bulldogs have positive momentum heading into the heart of league play.

"You're always looking for confidence," Timmer said. "We need to turn the corner to get us over the hump. Against Mississippi Valley, we came together. This one, we got better. There's not a better time than this to get going. We can build on this."

The confidence comes at a good time as the Bulldogs take to the road for two straight in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Bulldogs are at Southern Illinois Sunday and at pre-season league favorite Wichita State on Wednesday.

"We need to be road dog warriors," Rutter said. "We know winning games on the road in this league is a challenge.

"We're excited about the challenge."

Contact the writer:

Twitter: @RyanKronberg

Email: rkronberg@crestonnews.com