In a decisive match on Saturday night, Drake University triumphed over Indiana State with a final score of 71-53. Mitch Mascari was instrumental in the victory, scoring an impressive 19 points, showcasing his shooting accuracy by making 5 of 7 attempts from beyond the arc and converting 4 of 5 free throws. This win improves Drake’s record to 16-2, with a 6-2 standing in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Bennett Stirtz also played a significant role, contributing 16 points along with nine assists. Tavion Banks supported the team with an additional 10 points, all of which he scored after halftime, highlighting a strong second-half performance by the Bulldogs.

For Indiana State, Samage Teel led the team’s effort with 13 points. Markus Harding made a notable contribution as well, tallying 12 points and securing six rebounds, while Aaron Gray chipped in with nine points.

The Bulldogs took a firm grip on the game, taking the lead early with 13:37 remaining in the first half and maintaining their advantage throughout. At halftime, the score stood at 32-25, with Mascari already having made a substantial impact by scoring 11 points. In the second half, Drake further escalated their lead to 69-46, driven by a 9-0 scoring streak that proved pivotal in the match.

This victory underscores Drake’s strong position within the conference as they look to continue their successful season.