Preview: Robert Morris vs. Simpson Men’s Basketball Showdown
The Drake Bulldogs men’s basketball team is set to host two upcoming games as the 2025-26 season unfolds. On Thursday, November 6, the Bulldogs will face the Robert Morris Colonials, fresh from their participation in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Following this, on Monday, November 10, Drake will go up against Division III opponent Simpson College from Iowa.
Drake Bulldogs Season Overview
Drake opened its season with a win against Northern Arizona, securing a 77-71 victory at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This win marked head coach Eric Henderson’s debut, making him the 19th coach in the program’s history to achieve victory in their first game.
The Bulldogs have now claimed nine straight season openers and hold an impressive record of 80 wins and 40 losses in such games. Additionally, they boast a notable 49-game home winning streak against non-conference opponents. This season, Drake will host a total of seven non-conference games, aiming to maintain its strong home performance.
Key Players for Drake
- Jalen Quinn: 20.0 points per game, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists
- Jaehshon Thomas: 15.0 points per game, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists
- Wilguens Jr. Exacte: 14.0 points per game, 12.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists
Scouting Robert Morris Colonials
The Robert Morris Colonials are coming off a challenging start to their season, suffering a 101-69 defeat to Iowa. They are the reigning Horizon League champions and feature a roster with three returning players and 12 newcomers. Expectations are set for them to finish fourth in the Horizon League this year.
Head coach Andy Toole, in his 16th season with the team, has a career record of 252 wins and 242 losses. The upcoming game against Drake will mark the first-ever matchup between the two teams.
Key Players for Robert Morris
- Nikolaos Chitikoudis: 14.0 points per game, 9.0 rebounds, 63.6% field goal percentage
- Ryan Prather Jr.: 12.0 points per game, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists
- DeSean Goode: 11.0 points per game, 3.0 rebounds, 66.7% field goal percentage
Scouting Simpson College Storm
Simpson College is making a short journey from Indianola for a game that will be counted as an exhibition for the Storm. The team tips off its regular season against Benedictine on November 7 in Jacksonville, Illinois. Simpson has been ranked eighth in the American Rivers Conference preseason poll.
Head coach Kyle Jones enters his second season with the team, coming off a record of 5-20 and 2-14 in league play. Historically, Drake has dominated the series against Simpson, leading 28-13, including a six-game winning streak. The last meeting took place during the 2019-20 season, where Drake triumphed 98-53 at the Knapp Center. Their rivalry dates back to 1907, with Simpson winning the initial game 18-14.
Key Players for Simpson
- Levi Gurwell: 11.7 points per game, 2.0 rebounds
- Bo Huston: 11.1 points per game, 49.4% field goal percentage, 40.8% three-point percentage
- Cam Henderson: 10.8 points per game, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists
What’s Next for Drake?
After facing Robert Morris and Simpson, Drake will continue its home stand with a matchup against SIUE on Friday, November 14. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT at the Knapp Center.
