Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship: No. 1 Drake dismantled No. 2 Illinois State 79-49, casting doubt on the Redbirds’ worthiness for an at-large bid. The Bulldogs return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 37 years as junior forward Jonathan Cox led the team with 20 points. Drake went on a 22-2 run to end the first half, blowing open a close game. [3/09/08]