In a thrilling matchup on Saturday night, the Drake Bulldogs secured a 72-62 victory over the Green Bay Phoenix in Des Moines, Iowa. Isaiah Jackson was a standout for Drake, scoring 21 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, helping his team improve their record to an impressive 11-0 overall, and 1-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Tavion Banks added to the offensive effort by shooting 8 for 12 from the floor and 3 for 5 from the free-throw line, finishing the game with 19 points. Meanwhile, Cam Manyawu’s performance saw him contribute 16 points, thanks to a shooting efficiency of 6 for 9 from the field and 4 for 9 from the free-throw line, alongside seven rebounds. This victory marked the 11th consecutive win for the Bulldogs, showcasing their robust form this season.
On the other side, Green Bay struggled to find their rhythm as they fell to 2-12 overall and 0-3 in the Horizon League. Mac Wrecke led his team’s scoring efforts with 19 points, while Preston Ruedinger added 14 points. Marcus Hall chipped in with a total of 10 points. The loss extended the Phoenix’s losing streak to nine games, reflecting their challenging season so far.
Drake established their dominance early in the game, regaining the lead with 14:01 remaining in the first half and maintaining it throughout. By halftime, they were ahead 40-32, with Jackson contributing significantly to the scoreline with 11 points. In the second half, the Bulldogs unleashed a 7-0 scoring run, building an 11-point advantage with a score of 63-52 before ultimately sealing the victory.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to compete again on Sunday, with Drake facing Belmont at home while Green Bay will take on Purdue Fort Wayne in their own venue.