More than 11 months have passed since Drake and Northern Iowa last tangoed under the Arch Madness lights at Enterprise Center. Given the way the world — and these two programs — look since that emphatic March 6, 2020 afternoon, the matchup may as well have been 11 years ago.
Then the regular-season Valley champs looking to cement an NCAA Tournament berth, the Panthers have slogged through this COVID-infected season without their most potent weapon. It's a large reason why UNI is on the Valley cellar's doorstep with 2 ½ weeks remaining.