DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Cyclones and Hawkeyes are at the forefront of a college basketball resurgence in Iowa. Each have already earned Top 25 rankings and are drawing sellout crowds well ahead of conference play. They’ve also overshadowed a surprisingly strong start by Drake. The Bulldogs were picked to finish last in the Valley this season. But so far they’re 6-1 under first-year coach Ray Giacoletti.

Drake will get its chance to make a statement when it faces No. 23 Iowa (8-1) today (Saturday) at the Big 4 Classic in Des Moines. The second annual event replaced the old home-and-home scheduling arrangements between the Hawkeyes, Cyclones and their Missouri Valley rivals.

No. 17 Iowa State (6-0) kicks off the doubleheader against Northern Iowa (3-4).