In a game which both teams had double-digit leads, Illinois States comeback attempt came up just short, as they fell to Drake 59-55 Wednesday night at the Knapp Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Illinois State, which ended the game on a 15-6 run, was led by Najeeb Echols 12 points and five rebounds off the bench.
The Redbirds shot 51.4 percent to Drakes 32.6 percent from the field for the game. However the Bulldogs shot and made twice as many free throws (26-38 to 13-19) and won the battle of the glass 35-27, including a 15-4 advantage on the offensive end. Drake would score 23 points of 24 Illinois State turnovers.
The first half started slow, as both teams were still in single-digits 12 minutes into the game. Illinois State pulled away a bit in the first half and lead by as many as 10 on a Greg Dillagard lay-up with just over three minutes to go. The Bulldogs kept it close and went to the locker room down five at 25-20, following three made free throws by Chaun Brooks with no time remaining, as he was fouled by Kevin Troc on a three-point attempt at the buzzer.
Illinois State played all but one minute of the first half without center Marcus Arnold, who picked up two fouls in the first 1:07 of the game.
Illinois State played outstanding defense throughout the first half, as they harassed the Bulldogs to 4-23 shooting (17%) from the field. Despite Drakes poor shooting, Illinois State was not able to control the defensive glass, as they allowed 12 offensive rebounds in the first half. Najeeb Echols led Illinois State with eight in the first half.
ISU would build their five-point halftime lead up to nine early in the second half, however Drake stormed back and would take the lead for good on a Quantel Murphy hoop at the twelve minute mark at 37-36. Drake would extend their lead to 53-40 with under six minutes to go before the Redbirds would mount a comeback and end the game on a 15-6 run.
Trailing by two with under a minute to go, Illinois States Neil Plank was called for a charge with five seconds to go. Illinois State would then foul Brooks on the inbounds pass and he sank both free throws to give Drake the win at 59-55. Brooks and Murphy led all scorers with 13.
The loss drops Illinois State to 4-9 on the season and 0-5 in the Missouri Valley Conference. Drake moves to 7-6 overall and 3-2 in the league. Illinois States next game will be Sunday, January 18, when they host Southwest Missouri State at 1:05 p.m. at Redbird Arena.
