Drake shook off a slow start and pulled away from Eastern Illinois for a 76-54 season-opening win in Des Moines. The victory extended the Bulldogs’ season-opener streak to 12 straight, powered by a dominant second quarter and an edge on the boards.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Drake 76, Eastern Illinois 54.
  • Drake’s second-quarter points: 29; halftime lead: 39-20.
  • Rebounds: Drake 48, Eastern Illinois 31.
  • Quinn Vice led all scorers with 16 points; Anna Becker added 14.
  • Drake recorded 10 turnovers and Mylea Monahan had 5 assists.
Yes, But

Drake’s offense was tentative early, and the teams finished the first quarter tied at 10. The Bulldogs responded with sharper execution and aggressive play in the paint, turning a tight start into a comfortable win.

What's Next

Drake travels to Kansas for an 11 a.m. game Nov. 6 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Bottom Line

The opener offered an encouraging blueprint: overcome early jitters, control the glass and share the ball. Drake’s next test comes on the road against the Jayhawks.