Drake Bulldogs @ Murray State Racers
Stirtz scores 23 as Drake takes down Murray State 55-45
MURRAY, Ky. -- — Bennett Stirtz's 23 points helped Drake defeat Murray State 55-45 on Tuesday night and extend its winning streak to nine games.
Stirtz shot 9 of 16 from the field, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 4 from the line for the Bulldogs (21-2, 11-2 Missouri Valley Conference). Tavion Banks added 16 points while going 7 of 10 and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line while they also had five rebounds. Kael Combs went 2 of 4 from the field to finish with six points.
Nick Ellington finished with 10 points for the Racers (11-13, 5-8). Murray State also got 10 points from Kylen Milton. AJ Ferguson also recorded eight points.
Drake took the lead with 15:42 remaining in the first half and did not give it up. Banks led their team in scoring with 12 points in the first half to help put them ahead 32-18 at the break.
These two teams both play Saturday. Drake hosts Indiana State and Murray State visits Valparaiso.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Game Information
Murray, KY
Referee:Kelly Self
Referee:Deron White
Referee:Keith Patterson
2025-26 Standings
| Missouri Valley ConferenceMissouri Valley Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 16-4 | - | 26-6 |
| Bradley | 13-7 | 3 | 21-13 |
| Illinois State | 12-8 | 4 | 23-13 |
| Murray State | 12-8 | 4 | 20-13 |
| UIC | 12-8 | 4 | 19-16 |
| Northern Iowa | 11-9 | 5 | 23-13 |
| Valparaiso | 11-9 | 5 | 18-15 |
| Southern Illinois | 10-10 | 6 | 16-16 |
| Drake | 6-14 | 10 | 14-20 |
| Indiana State | 4-16 | 12 | 11-21 |
| Evansville | 3-17 | 13 | 7-25 |
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