CHICAGO (February 4, 2021) – The much-anticipated showdown of the Missouri Valley Conference's leaders in the men's basketball standings will feature Loyola versus No. 25 Drake from Knapp Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on February 13 and 14.
 
The first game of the series has shifted to an 11 a.m. CT start to accommodate a national television clearance on ESPN2. It was originally slated for a 5 p.m. CT tip. The second game of the series will air at 5 p.m. CT on ESPNU. 
 
Drake moved into the Associated Press Top 25 Poll and The Ferris Mowers Men's Basketball Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports Top 25, this week. It marks the first time that a league team has been ranked since the final coaches poll of 2018 when Loyola checked in at No. 7. The Ramblers are also among schools receiving votes this week, good for 28^thin the AP poll and 29^thin the coaches rankings.
 
Loyola (15-3, 10-1 MVC) has won its last eight contests and is off to its best start through 18 games since 1965-66 when it won 16 of its first 18 outings. The Ramblers host Evansville on February 6 and 7.