***DRAKE***

[BenEClone]

Drake has been unreasonably competitive with us recently - my casual impression is that Drake takes this game more seriously than we have and they have played with more emotion. This year, even with Poppens out, we have more talent at every position. We'll start 3 sophs and 2-3 frosh will see considerable playing time - have to love our improvement potential. But, at 4-0, I think #24 may be premature. RPI is a month away from being predictive but it's available. Using RealtimeRPI, our RPI is 123 with SOS at 296. Drake (1-3) has an RPI of 334 and a SOS of 329. Realtime predicts a 20 pt. Sister victory.

Drake was competitive in both their tournament loses, losing to California Irvine, 69-64 and George Mason, 76-70. Junior Morgan Reid 6-0 F averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds per game; senior Stephanie Running 6-2 F/C averaged 13.5 points and nine rebounds per game; Junior college transfer Mary Specht 5-7 G scored a career-high 15 points against UCI and for the tournament averaged 10 points per game. Sophomore guard Carly Grenfell 5-7 is averaging 10.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game - shooting 58 percent from the field and 59 percent from behind the arc. This is our first look at new Coach Baranczyk and Operations Director Bolte - I'm sure we'll see good effort from Drake.

[bellzisu]

Can't argue anything you said. I think Poppens is the difference maker in 3/4 of our games. This could be a good spot for our younger players to grow up on the job. With how streaky we are behind the arc the last couple years we needed 100% out of Poppens for rebounding and put backs.

[mitten1975]

I am looking forward to seeing another game. It will be interesting to see the lineup without Poppens however I hope that doesn't happen for too long. I like how Amanda Zimmerman and Fallon Ellis have been playing so far in the games I have been able to see. I think we are in good hands since both of these are capable of scoring. It will take a great effort because obviously Drake will be really hungry for a win.

[acoustimac]

The big plus? Prins has stepped up big time.

[mitten1975]

I have always expected good things from Prins, I just hope she stays healthy. So much depends on good health.....

[CycloneBob]

I like our home floor advantage in these state rivalry games.

[mred]

16-7 ISU at the first break. Prins is having a great game so far.

[mred]

32-10 at 7:17. Drake is not very good.

[fccy]

Tough following tonight, choppy Internet signal on my end tonight.

[ruxCYtable]

Wow, what has happened to the Drake women? Lisa Bluder must be spinning in her grave. Oh wait.

[mred]

51-13 at the half. Between the airballs, the turnovers, and the blocks, Drake has struggled to even hit the rim. Their last basket was a free-throw line jumper that was banked in.

[mred]

Not to downplay our play. ISU is looking good out there.

[BoxsterCy]

32-10 at 7:17. Drake is not very good.

Wow, no kidding, just got home from work and fired up Cyclone.Tv. Yikes!

[ChrisMWilliams]

I'm sitting behind where Drake has been shooting. My computer has almost been taken out from air balls like 4 times. Good gosh they are bad.

[mred]

Yikes!

That's the best way to sum up Drake's team.