In a dramatic showdown on Tuesday night, Bennett Stirtz emerged as the hero for Drake, scoring eight of his 22 points in overtime, including the decisive game-winning three-pointer with just 3.4 seconds left. The Bulldogs secured a 73-70 victory over Kansas State, remaining undefeated at 10-0. Despite holding a commanding 20-point lead earlier in the game, Drake had to battle through a fierce comeback from the Wildcats before sealing the win in overtime.
Drake’s Early Control and Kansas State’s Second-Half Surge
Drake came out firing in the first half, with Mitch Mascari putting on a stellar shooting display. Mascari tied his career high with eight three-pointers, finishing with 22 points general. His hot start, including 18 points in the first half, propelled the Bulldogs to a 36-27 halftime advantage. Midway through the opening half, his fifth three-pointer extended Drake’s lead to 20 points, showcasing the Bulldogs’ offensive dominance.
However, Kansas State (6-4) refused to back down. The Wildcats slowly chipped away at the deficit in the second half, tightening their defense and executing on offense. Midway through the period, Kansas State tied the game for the first time and soon took their first lead. Despite the Wildcats’ momentum shift, Drake remained composed and kept the game within striking distance.
Drake Vs. Kansas State (image via Getty)Overtime Drama and Clutch Plays
With the game hanging in the balance, Drake’s Daniel Abreu delivered under pressure, sinking two clutch free throws to tie the contest with 23 seconds left in regulation. Kansas State had a chance to win, but Brendan Hausen’s contested three-pointer missed as time expired, sending the game into overtime.
Once in overtime, Stirtz took control, scoring five consecutive points and energizing the Bulldogs. Abreu followed up with a powerful dunk, extending Drake’s lead to six points with just two minutes remaining. However, Kansas State responded with an impressive run of their own, tying the game at 70-70 after Coleman Hawkins drilled a three-pointer with just 12.3 seconds left. Stirtz, though, delivered in the clutch, draining a three-pointer off an inbounds pass to give Drake the final lead. A last-second deep three-point attempt by Max Jones for Kansas State fell short, securing the Bulldogs’ hard-fought victory.
Key Performances from Both Teams
Stirtz may have sealed the game, but Mascari’s sharpshooting was equally instrumental in Drake’s win. He finished 8-of-10 from beyond the arc, providing a crucial offensive spark. Meanwhile, Kansas State’s Coleman Hawkins led the Wildcats with 16 points but struggled at the free-throw line, going just 3-of-8, including 2-of-6 in overtime. David N’Guessan contributed 13 points and a game-high nine rebounds, while Max Jones and Dug McDaniel added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Kansas State will now shift its focus to an upcoming matchup against Wichita State on Saturday, looking to bounce back from this tough loss. Meanwhile, Drake will aim to keep its undefeated streak alive when they host Green Bay in their next outing.
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