FRESHMAN GUARD KAYLA PERSON powers up for a layup during an early season game. As one of four freshmen, Person has seen plenty of court time this year. Photo: Emily Tozer

Conference women’s basketball standings and a mid-season, four-game losing streak is not how the Bulldogs would have planned events down the stretch.

A tough loss to Northern Iowa; a last second defeat at the hands of Bradley; a hard-fought, losing battle against conference contender and rival Creighton; and an overtime heartbreaker against Wichita State can discourage a team.

Head coach Amy Stephens said she hopes the team can turn things around against future opponents. “Hopefully we’ll come out and compete and execute the game plan—have everyone clicking on all cylinders, putting emphasis on improving and developing,” Stephens said.

The Bulldogs have had their fair share of injuries that may have contributed to recent struggles, but Stephens said that’s expected.

“It’s like that every year,” Stephens said. “You have times where players get hurt. We have to play the cards we’re dealt.”

Fate may have dealt the Bulldogs a fresh hand: Five of Drake’s final seven games are home. An emerging trend in the MVC shows home teams are capitalizing on home court advantages.

This season’s MVC schedule does not favor teams playing on the road. Only four of the conference’s 10 teams own a winning record when traveling from their home courts. First place Illinois State boasts the league’s best road record at 9-1. Missouri State’s 6-3 record claims second best. It’s .500 records and worse from there.

Stephens attributed the growing parity in the league to tougher road conditions. “Anywhere, any day, anytime—anybody can beat anybody,” Stephens said.

The road records show home teams hold a clear advantage. Drake is no different. The Bulldogs are 6-2 while competing at the Knapp Center, yet they are only 3-7 while playing in enemy territory.

Eight of the conference’s teams own winning records on their own courts. Wichita State is strongest in its Charles Koch Arena—long believed to be one of the toughest environments in the conference—with a 10-2 home record.

Drake sophomore Rachael Hackbarth said Wichita State’s fans “brought a lot of energy to the game” in which the Shockers defeated the Bulldogs, 66-63 in overtime. She said excited fans are common in the Valley.

“It’s always difficult playing on someone’s home court,” Hackbarth said.

Illinois State appears to be the only team that prefers the road. Its 5-3 home record doesn’t match up with their away mark. Two of those losses, however, came from non-conference opponents Illinois (12-10, 4-8 Big Ten record) and DePaul (15-8, 4-5 Big East Record).