CARBONDALE, Ill. — In a competitive matchup on Saturday, Bennett Stirtz shone with a stellar performance, scoring 30 points to propel the Drake Bulldogs to a 75-65 victory over Southern Illinois.
Stirtz also contributed five assists for the Bulldogs, who now hold an impressive record of 20 wins and 2 losses, including a 10-2 showing in the Missouri Valley Conference. Tavion Banks supported the team with 21 points, five rebounds, and four steals, while Daniel Abreu added 12 points, going 3 of 7 from the floor, with a single three-pointer and hitting 5 of 8 from the free-throw line. With this win, the Bulldogs extended their winning streak to eight games.
On the other hand, the Salukis’ effort was led by Kennard Davis, who netted 22 points for the team. Ali Abdou Dibba contributed 20 points and registered three steals, while Damien Mayo Jr. finished the game with nine points.
The game saw Drake entering halftime with a slim lead of 28-27, with Stirtz being the top scorer in the first half, collecting nine points. A significant moment in the second half came when Stirtz hit a three-pointer with 11:58 left on the clock, which pushed Drake ahead 45-44, a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the game.
Looking ahead, Drake is set to face Murray State on Tuesday in an away game, while Southern Illinois will take on Evansville at home on Wednesday.