TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Indiana State women's basketball team trailed by four at the half, but turned in a strong second half to defeat the Drake Bulldogs 79-71 on Sunday (Feb. 6) afternoon at the Hulman Center. The Sycamores move their winning streak to a season-long six games as they improve their record to 14-6 (7-4 MVC), while Drake falls to 9-11 (4-7 MVC).

The Sycamores came out from the locker room to go on a quick 6-0 run to take the lead by two, 40-38. After Drake hit two free throws to tie the game, Ashley Clark hit a free throw to put the Sycamores back up by one, 41-40. The Bulldogs would answer back, however, putting together an 11-0 run of their own to take the lead, 52-41. ISU would not go away and went on 16-4 run, capped off by a lay-up and free throw from Melanie Boeglin. Drake hit two free throws to take a 58-57 lead, but it would not last long as Anne Thatcher hit two straight three-pointers to put the Sycamores up for good.

Boeglin paced ISU, falling just short of a double-double with 19 points and a seaon-high nine steals. Lisa Verhoff contributed 14 points and five rebounds and Stephanie Lisch added 12 points and six boards. Laura Rudolphi was the leading scorer off the bench for the Sycamores with nine points.

Jill Martin led Drake with game-highs in points (28) and rebounds (14). Linda Sayavongchanh pitched in 14 points. Lindsay Whorton added 12 points and five rebounds in the losing effort for the Bulldogs.

ISU out-scored the Bulldogs in the paint, 38-32. The Sycamores turned 25 Drake turnovers into 31 points, while the Bulldogs converted ISU's 16 turnovers into 22 points. The Sycamore bench scored 15 more points than did Drake's (23-8).

The Trees now hit the road for two games, beginning with a trip to Wichita State on Thursday (Feb. 10) at 8:00 p.m. (EST). ISU will then travel to Springfield, Mo. to play SMS on Saturday (Feb. 12) for a 8:05 p.m. game.

GAME BOX SCORE