Bennett Stirtz scored 21 points and No. 11 seed Drake held on after blowing most of a 15-point lead to be sixth-seeded Missouri 67-57 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

“This stage allows you to pass a message, which is tough kids, connected kids, kids that love each other and serve each other still can win,” Drake coach Ben McCollum said after his team improved to 31-3. “Kids that maintain a level of loyalty, kids that are just awesome to be around can still win.”