Bulldogs Surge in Thrilling Comeback to Defeat Aces

DES MOINES, Iowa – Holding a five-point lead at halftime, Drake embarked on a 19-1 streak to commence the second half, ultimately overcoming the University of Evansville men’s basketball team with a conclusive score of 63-40 on Saturday at the Knapp Center.

Box Score

Leading the way for the Purple Aces was Tayshawn Comer, who poured in 11 points, while Cam Haffner added 10.  Tanner Cuff emerged as the Purple Aces’ top rebounder, securing seven boards.  Kaia Berridge contributed a personal best with six points, including two three-pointers.  Three Bulldogs scored in double digits, highlighted by Bennett Stirtz’s game-leading 16 points.  Daniel Abreu netted 12 while Mitch Mascari achieved a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.
 
“We simply need to maintain our focus.  After the first half, we put ourselves in a position to compete but must muster the effort to finish strong,” remarked Aces head coach David Ragland after the match.  “Our players need to extract lessons from this experience and be prepared for the game on Tuesday.”
 
Starting strongly by hitting their initial two shots, the Bulldogs claimed the first four points.  After failing to connect on their first four attempts, Cam Haffner got Evansville on the scoreboard with a turnaround jumper.  The Bulldogs swiftly expanded their lead to 7-2 with a three-pointer, to which Haffner responded with a 3-pointer of his own shortly after.
 
Tayshawn Comer, who recorded a game-high 10 points by halftime, evened the score with a layup, making it 7-7.  With the tally tied at 9-9, Kaia Berridge hit from long range, igniting a 5-0 run that allowed UE to claim its largest advantage of the half at the 10:49 mark.  Drake’s defense tightened over the following six minutes, limiting the Aces to 1-of-7 shooting while inducing a couple of turnovers.  The Bulldogs’ offense outpaced the Aces 11-2, regaining a 20-16 lead within the final five minutes of the period.  Evansville managed to stay close, converting a pair of free throws to make it a 25-20 contest in favor of Drake at halftime.
 
After the break, Drake erupted offensively.  Making their first three attempts, the Bulldogs scored the first 13 points of the half, achieving their first double-digit lead at 38-20.  Tanner Cuff halted the scoring drought with a free throw, yet Drake’s momentum persisted.  An additional six-point contribution elevated DU’s lead to 44-21 with 9:22 remaining in the contest.  Berridge sank his second three-pointer of the day on UE’s subsequent possession for the first field goal of the half.  Evansville opened the half 0-for-6 from the field, accompanied by six turnovers.
 
Evansville ultimately managed to find their rhythm without allowing the Bulldogs to extend their lead significantly.  Connor Turnbull netted a three-pointer, contributing five points during the final stretch of the game.  Ultimately, Drake secured the victory with a final score of 63-40.
 
Drake achieved a shooting percentage of 40%, while UE concluded with 37.2%.  The Bulldogs dominated the boards, finishing with a 41-24 edge.
 
The Aces’ journey through Iowa continues on Tuesday night as they take on Northern Iowa at 7 p.m. in Cedar Falls.