The Field of 68’s Opening Day Marathon tips off with a fascinating neutral-site clash as the Drake Bulldogs begin a new era under head coach Eric Henderson, facing a retooled Northern Arizona Lumberjacks team looking to build on its best season in a decade.
For Drake, this game isn’t just the start of a new season — it’s the start of a complete rebuild. After going 31–4 last year and finishing as one of the most disciplined defensive teams in the nation, the Bulldogs now bring in 11 newcomers, including seven transfers and four freshmen, returning less than one percent of last season’s total scoring.
On the other bench, Northern Arizona head coach Shane Burcar is banking on momentum after an 18-win campaign and a postseason CBI appearance — but like Drake, his Lumberjacks are practically unrecognizable from last year, with seven transfers joining the roster.
Both programs are rebuilding, both are hungry, and both will treat this neutral-floor opener in Sioux Falls like a statement game.
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📺 Where to Watch Drake vs. Northern Arizona? (Nov 3, 2025)
| Detail | Information |
| Date | Monday, November 3, 2025 |
| Tip-Off (Local) | 3:00 PM CT |
| Venue | Sanford Pentagon – Sioux Falls, SD |
| Broadcast | YouTube / Field of 68 Live |
| Tickets | Available via Vivid Seats |
💸 Betting Odds
| Market | Line | Odds |
| Spread | Drake -10.5 | -110 |
| Moneyline | Drake -654 / NAU +468 | — |
| Total (O/U) | 143.5 | O -110 / U -110 |
Implied Score: Drake 77, Northern Arizona 67
📊 Team Breakdown
🐶 Drake Bulldogs
2024–25 Record: 31–4 (17–3 MVC)
Head Coach: Eric Henderson (1st Season)
The Bulldogs begin the 2025–26 season in transition after the departure of longtime coach Darian DeVries and most of the roster that powered one of the best mid-major runs in the country. Enter Eric Henderson, formerly of South Dakota State, who brings a proven system of motion offense, efficient spacing, and ball control — but inherits a lineup that’s still learning to play together.
🔍 Key Returners:
| Player | Class | 2024–25 Stats | Notes |
| Andrew Alia (G) | RS Jr | 2.4 PPG, 39% FG | Only returning scholarship upperclassman |
| Eli Shetlar (G) | RS So | 1.9 PPG | Spot-up shooter; could see early bench minutes |
That’s it. Everything else is brand new.
🔥 Key Additions:
| Player | Pos | Previous School | Scouting Report |
| Jalen Quinn (G) | Loyola Chicago | Combo guard, explosive first step, floor leader potential | |
| Isaiah Carr (C) | GCU | 7-footer, rim protector with MVC size advantage | |
| Wilguens Jr. Exacte (G) | Utah | Defensive pest; could anchor the backcourt | |
| Jaehshon Thomas (G) | North Dakota State | Slashing wing with high motor | |
| Okku Federiko (F) | Pitt | Athletic forward, rebounder, rim runner |
Under Henderson, expect Drake to maintain its defensive discipline but lean heavier into half-court execution and physical rebounding early in the season. Last year’s Bulldogs were elite defensively — allowing just 58.9 PPG (2nd nationally) — and while replicating that with a completely new core is a tall order, Henderson’s system from SDSU was top 30 in defensive efficiency three times.
🧠 Efficiency Snapshot (2024–25):
| Category | Stat | National Rank |
| PPG | 69.8 | 285th |
| Opp. PPG | 58.9 | 2nd |
| 3PT% | 36.0% | 70th |
| 3PT Made | 6.6 | 297th |
| Rebounding Margin | +6.1 | 28th |
Drake may not light up the scoreboard yet — but their defense travels, and that’s crucial in a neutral gym.
🌲 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
2024–25 Record: 18–16 (10–8 Big Sky)
Head Coach: Shane Burcar (7th Season)
The Lumberjacks quietly had their best year in a decade, finishing above .500 and earning a postseason bid. Burcar has found an identity — guard-led tempo, active wings, and spacing-heavy offense — but like Drake, he’s managing an almost entirely new lineup.
🔍 Key Returners:
| Player | Pos | 2024–25 Stats | Notes |
| Diego Campisano (G) | Sr | 7.1 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 43% FG | Veteran scorer; one of few returning rotation players |
| Ryan Abelman (G) | Jr | 4.9 PPG, 39.3% 3PT | Deep shooting threat, floor spacer |
| Oakland Fort (G) | Jr | 4.3 PPG, 1.8 APG | Distributor with defensive energy |
🔥 Key Additions:
| Player | Pos | Source | Strength |
| Keonte Montgomery (F) | JUCO | All-around scorer, 6’7” athletic frame | |
| Dominic Kinnebrew (G) | Texas A&M–Commerce | Defensive stopper | |
| Josh Franks (C) | Cal Baptist | Interior finisher, 6’10”, adds size | |
| Miles Davis (G) | Freshman | Dynamic off the dribble; X-factor for NAU |
Northern Arizona’s offense averaged 75.9 PPG (119th nationally), powered by their pace and three-point shooting (35.2%). Their issue lies in defense — they gave up 71.6 PPG and often struggled to guard dribble penetration. Against a structured team like Drake, that could spell trouble.
🧮 Efficiency Snapshot (2024–25):
| Category | Stat | National Rank |
| PPG | 75.9 | 119th |
| Opp. PPG | 71.6 | 165th |
| FG% | 45.4% | 94th |
| 3PT% | 35.2% | 106th |
| Rebounding | +0.8 Margin | 181st |
The Lumberjacks thrive when their offense is flowing — but in a low-possession, defensive slugfest, their rhythm can falter.
📈 Betting Insights & Trends
| Trend | Stat |
| Drake is 9–2 ATS in its last 11 neutral-site games. | |
| The Under has hit in 7 of Drake’s last 9 season openers. | |
| NAU is 1–8 ATS in its last 9 games vs. MVC opponents. | |
| Drake allowed under 60 points in 12 of its last 15 non-conference games. | |
| NAU is 5–1 to the Over in its last six away games. |
🎯 Prop Bets & Analytical Picks
| Prop | Pick | Odds |
| First Half Total Points | Under 69.5 | -110 |
| Total Turnovers (NAU) | Over 13.5 | -120 |
| Drake Team Total Points | Over 75.5 | -115 |
| Winning Margin | Drake by 11–20 | +240 |
| First to 10 Points | Drake | -150 |
🧩 Same Game Parlay (SGP)
| Leg | Selection | Odds |
| Drake -10.5 | ✅ | -110 |
| Under 143.5 Total Points | ✅ | -110 |
| NAU Over 6.5 Threes | ✅ | +100 |
| Drake First Half -5.5 | ✅ | -115 |
| Combined Parlay Odds: | +475 |
🧠 Game Analysis
This game could be closer than it looks on paper — not because Drake isn’t better, but because both teams are practically brand new. With 18 combined newcomers between them, chemistry could dictate the pace early. Expect some sloppy stretches, but Drake’s defensive structure under Eric Henderson should eventually separate them.
The Lumberjacks can score in transition and shoot well from deep, but Drake’s length and rebounding edge will force them into contested jumpers. If Carr and Federiko dominate the glass and Quinn controls tempo, Drake should start the season with a businesslike win.
🔮 Final ClutchBuzz Drake vs. Northern Arizona Prediction
Expect a gritty first half before Drake’s experience and size create breathing room in the final 10 minutes. Henderson’s Bulldogs won’t look flashy yet, but they’ll look tough — and that’s what wins in November.
Prediction: Drake 74 – Northern Arizona 62
Best Bet: Drake -10.5
Lean: Under 143.5
Bonus Prop: Winning Margin 11–20 (+240)
