CEDAR FALLS, Ia. — A symbolic punch was thrown Saturday.
It was delivered by the Northern Iowa men’s basketball team, and sent Drake staggering out of the McLeod Center.
The Bulldogs, who showed promise in November, are now reeling.
“We’ve had some things come maybe easy,” coach Ray Giacoletti said, “and then all of a sudden you get hit in the face.”
The 77-44 loss to Northern Iowa amounted to a haymaker.
Drake shot just 35.6 percent from the floor, took its only lead in the game’s first minute, and finished with more turnovers (16) than assists (six).