DES MOINES, Iowa — In an impressive display of skill, Bennett Stirtz netted 20 points, helping the Drake Bulldogs secure a decisive 65-46 victory over the Belmont Bruins on Sunday evening.

Stirtz also contributed defensively with three steals, leading his team to an unblemished record of 12 wins and no losses, as well as maintaining a perfect 2-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference. Daniel Abreu was another standout for the Bulldogs, contributing 15 points on a shooting performance that included 5 for 11 from the field and 3 for 9 from three-point range, along with five rebounds. Mitch Mascari chipped in nine points, making three of his seven attempts, with all three successful shots coming from beyond the arc, bolstering the team’s ongoing winning streak to 12 games.

On the side of Belmont, Sam Orme led the scoring with 11 points. Teammate Brody Peebles also made a notable contribution, adding 10 points to the Bruins’ tally, while Jonathan Pierre finished with nine points.

The Bulldogs took command of the game at 10:21 left in the first half and maintained their lead throughout the contest. Stirtz was particularly effective in the opening half, putting up 13 points, which helped Drake establish a solid 39-21 advantage by halftime. In the second half, the Bulldogs continued to outmaneuver Belmont, edging them by just one point, with Abreu stepping up to score a team-leading eight points after the break.