The Iowa State Cyclones and the Drake Bulldogs are two of Iowa’s most prominent universities. The rivalry between Iowa State vs. Drake spans across multiple sports, with a long and storied history that matters a lot to both schools and their fans.
Recent Women’s Basketball Game: A Nail-Biter
The Iowa State Cyclones and the Drake Bulldogs recently faced off in a game that went down to the wire.
Game Details
- Date and Location: November 25, 2024, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, IA. (tipoff at the very late/early hour of 3:00 AM!)
- Key Players: Audi Crooks (buzzer-beater for Iowa State), Katie Dinnebier (crucial 3-pointer for Drake), Sydney Harris (another three-pointer for Iowa State).
Game Information
- Attendance: A whopping 10,368 fans.
- Broadcast: ESPN+.
- Referees: Julie Krommenhoek, Zac Brost, and Natasha Camy.
A look back at the basketball rivalry
Iowa State and Drake first faced off on the court way back on February 29, 1908. Unfortunately for the Cyclones, that first game resulted in a 36-16 loss. The teams played each other on and off for the next 110 years, with the last game occurring on December 15, 2018.
During that time, Iowa State managed a winning streak of 6 games at one point, but also suffered through a losing streak of 20 games. One of the closest contests was on December 19, 1974, when Iowa State eked out a 65-64 victory.
In the 10 most recent matchups, Iowa State has a 4-6 record against Drake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Drake make the NCAA Tournament?
Yes, Drake has made multiple appearances in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Their most recent appearance was in 2024, when they won in the First Four play-in game against Wichita State before losing to Indiana State in the first round. They’ve had a few trips to the tournament over the years, though consistent appearances have been a challenge.
Has Iowa State ever been to a Final Four?
Iowa State’s men’s basketball team has reached the Final Four once, back in 1944. While they’ve had some strong teams and deep tournament runs in recent years, they haven’t been able to replicate that Final Four appearance since. The Cyclones are always a team to watch, though!
How did Iowa State get the nickname Cyclone?
The Iowa State Cyclones got their name after a particularly devastating cyclone hit Iowa in 1895. The football team played well and defeated Northwestern that same year, and a headline declared that “the cyclone can’t be stopped”. The name stuck, and now they’re the Iowa State Cyclones!
Is Drake University Division 1?
Yes, Drake University is a Division 1 school and a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. They compete in a variety of sports at the D1 level, including basketball, football, and soccer. They’re known for being a competitive mid-major program.
Wrapping Up
The rivalry between Iowa State and Drake is always something special, and key moments like buzzer-beaters only add to the story. This isn’t just about one game, though. These two universities have a long history of competing across many sports.
Looking ahead, fans can expect more exciting matchups between the Cyclones and the Bulldogs. No matter the sport, the Iowa State vs. Drake rivalry is sure to deliver memorable moments.