KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a thrilling contest on Tuesday night, Bennett Stirtz led the way for the unbeaten Drake Bulldogs by scoring 22 points, including eight crucial points in overtime. His decisive bucket came with just 3.4 seconds remaining, sealing a 73-70 victory over Kansas State after the Bulldogs had squandered a substantial 20-point advantage.

Alongside Stirtz, Mitch Mascari matched his career-high by sinking eight 3-pointers, contributing another 22 points to the Bulldogs’ effort. Cam Manyawu also played a support role, adding 11 points to the mix.

For Kansas State, Coleman Hawkins managed to put up 16 points but struggled at the free-throw line, making only three of eight attempts, including two of six during the overtime period. David N’Guessan chipped in with 13 points and secured a game-high nine rebounds, while Max Jones and Dug McDaniel finished with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

With 23 seconds left in regulation, Daniel Abreu of Drake capitalized on two free throws, evening the score. However, Kansas State’s Brendan Hausen was unable to convert a well-contested three-point attempt.

During the extra period, Stirtz ignited the Bulldogs by scoring five consecutive points. Abreu then followed up with a dunk, giving Drake a six-point cushion with two minutes on the clock. Kansas State retaliated by scoring the next six points, including a crucial three-pointer from Hawkins that tied the game at 70 with just 12.3 seconds left. Stirtz quickly responded by hitting a three-pointer following the inbounds pass, and despite Jones’ attempt at a deep three-pointer at the buzzer, it fell short, ensuring Drake’s victory.

Midway through the second half, Kansas State managed to tie the game for the first time and soon after took the lead. Mascari had an impressive first half, hitting six shots from beyond the arc and accumulating 18 points, which helped establish a 36-27 lead for the Bulldogs. His fifth three-pointer of the game extended the lead to 20 points with six minutes remaining before halftime, and he concluded the game with an eight out of ten record from three-point range.

This coming Saturday, Kansas State will face Wichita State, while Drake is set to host Green Bay.