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Emmenecker propels Drake to MVC semifinals

Mar 8, 2008 - 12:53 AM ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Adam Emmenecker helped Drake advance to the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament for the first time in 15 years.

Emmenecker scored 13 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out five assists Friday afternoon to lead the 21st-ranked Bulldogs to a 68-46 victory over Indiana State in a quarterfinals matchup

It marked the first time that Drake (26-4) has advanced to the MVC semis since 1993. The Bulldogs will now face Creighton, who defeating Bradley, 74-70, later Friday.

"We've talked a lot about the first that we've had at Drake after the fact, but really, those weren't motivating tools for us," Bulldogs coach Keno Davis said. "I know there was a lot of people that have talked about the No. 1 seed and not having won the tournament, we've answered the questions, but that's really not been our focus.

"Our focus is to see how hard we can play, and it seems pretty simple. But if we came in that locker room with that kind of effort and it wasn't enough, I would be just as proud."

Leonard Houston scored all of his 16 points in the second half for the top-seeded Bulldogs, who held the eighth-seeded Sycamores to just 26 percent (14-of-53) shooting en route to their second straight win.

"We try to take teams out of their comfort level," Emmenecker said. "Indiana State has a couple guys on the outside that can hurt you and a couple guys on the inside that can hurt you.

"We try to neutralize them as much as possible. We've had a lot of success doing that this year and hopefully we can keep that going."

Drake had not won back-to-back contests since their 21-game winning streak was snapped on February 13.

Five players scored in double figures for the Bulldogs, who shot 39 percent (22-of-56) from the field. Jonathan Cox finished with 12 points, while Klayton Korver and Josh Young each added 11.

"Drake played their typical game, they moved the ball well," Indiana State coach Kevin McKenna said. "They've been playing all year with a purpose, and they play good team basketball."

Drake took control of the game right after the break, as 3-pointers by Young and Korver highlighted an 11-2 run that extended the advantage to 42-27 with 15:13 remaining.

The Bulldogs' defense held the Sycamores (15-16) scoreless over a five-minute stretch later in the half, grabbing a 59-38 edge with 4:31 left.

"In any round game, you'll get the other team's best shot," Davis said. "Indiana State came in obviously without a whole lot of time to prepare against us but just gave everything they had that first half, and then the second half started and we were able to knock down some shots and try to extend the lead."

Gabriel Moore had 12 points and Adam Arnold collected eight rebounds for Indiana State, which made 13-of-14 (93 percent) free throws but committed 13 turnovers.