Jan. 19, 2008
Final Stats 
DES MOINES, Iowa - Anthony Slack and Osiris Eldridge combined for 42 points and 14 rebounds, but Illinois State's basketball team (14-4, 6-1 MVC) had its nine-game winning streak snapped by host Drake (16-1, 7-0 MVC), 79-73, in come-from-behind fashion at the Knapp Center Saturday night. With the win, Drake remained unbeaten in conference play, and claimed sole possession of first place in the MVC standings through seven games.
Slack finished with a game-high 21 points on a flawless 8-of-8 shooting effort, and Eldridge had a near double-double with 21 points and nine rebounds. Dom Johnson poured in 14 points to provide ISU's third double-digit scorer. Drake put four players in double figures, led by Adam Emmenecker's 19 points.
Illinois State jumped out to an early 4-3 lead at the first media timeout (15:29), as Slack and Johnson both converted field goals. But Drake answered with a 6-1 run to take a 10-4 lead, and force the Redbirds into their first timeout. ISU countered with a 4-0 spree out of the break, and pulled within 10-8 with 10:33 remaining in the opening stanza.
Eldridge scored eight of ISU's next 10 points on two three-pointers and a driving runner in the lane. Brandon Holtz, playing in just his second game since Dec. 22, also added a trey to give the Redbirds a 25-23 edge at the half's final media timeout (3:16). ISU claimed its largest lead of five points (30-25) after Slack converted a conventional three-point play. The effort followed a thundering putback dunk by Eldridge on the previous possession. Drake finished the stanza on a 3-0 spree, and ISU took a 30-28 lead into the locker room at intermission.
Slack finished the half with a game-high 11 points, and Eldridge added 10. The Bulldogs were led by Jonathon Cox, who led a balanced effort with six points on 3-of-6 shooting. ISU shot 60 percent (12-of-29) for the half. Drake committed just four turnovers, and held a slim 15-14 rebounding advantage.
Illinois State opened the second half on an 8-3 run, and took a 38-31 lead with 16:20 remaining. Dinma Odiakosa started the flurry with his first field goal, Slack had four quick points and Boo Richardson added a driving basket high-off glass. After forcing Drake into a timeout, Eldridge extended the Redbirds' lead to 40-31 with a putback following a missed free throw by Slack.
Drake cut the lead to six, 47-41, with 12:28 remaining, but Johnson answered with a three-pointer on the ensuing possession to push ISU's advantage back to nine, 50-41. At the second half's third media timeout (11:22), the Redbirds had to a 50-43 lead. Adam Emmenecker had six points in just over a four-minute span.
The Bulldogs answered with an 8-3 spurt to pull within 53-51, and force ISU into its first timeout of the second half with 9:39 remaining. Drake continued the run, and eventually tied the score at 55-55. Eldridge countered with an ensuing three-pointer to take a 58-55 lead at the next media timeout (7:59). The Bulldogs took their first lead of the second half with 3:41 remaining, after Jacob Baryenbruch hit a three-pointer to give Drake a 67-65 lead. The field goal capped off a 12-6 run.
The Bulldogs finished the game on a 12-8 run to seal the come-from-behind victory.
Illinois State continues its road swing Wednesday, when the Redbirds travel to Peoria, Ill., to take on host and rival Bradley. Tip-off from Carver Arena is set for 7:07 p.m.
