Drake Storms Back in Second Half to Eliminate Southern Illinois 67–63 in Arch Madness

Photo Credit: David Shoulberg | FARP Media

March rarely gives teams a comfortable exit. Thursday night at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, Southern Illinois learned that the hard way.

After leading at halftime and controlling much of the early pace, the Salukis watched the game slip away as Drake flipped the momentum in the second half, rallying for a 67–63 victory in the opening round of Arch Madness. The Bulldogs closed strong behind a balanced scoring effort and a decisive second-half run that ultimately ended Southern Illinois’ season.

For Drake, it was another chapter in their growing reputation as a dangerous tournament team. For Southern Illinois, it was a frustrating finish to a game they had within reach.

Southern Illinois Set the Early Tone

The Salukis came out looking sharp and confident, dictating the tempo and forcing Drake to play from behind.

Southern Illinois controlled much of the first half, moving the ball well and capitalizing on scoring opportunities while keeping the Bulldogs from finding a rhythm offensively. By the break, the Salukis held a 31–27 halftime lead, putting pressure squarely on Drake heading into the final 20 minutes.

The early momentum suggested Southern Illinois might be able to grind out the kind of physical tournament win that often defines Arch Madness.

But Drake had other plans.

Drake Flipped the Game After Halftime

The Bulldogs came out of the locker room with a noticeably different energy.

Drake’s offense began to open up in the second half, finding better looks and pushing the pace whenever opportunities appeared. The Bulldogs’ scoring surge slowly erased the Salukis’ lead before turning the game into a tight back-and-forth battle.

The biggest difference came from Drake’s ability to generate offense during key stretches of the second half. The Bulldogs poured in 40 points after halftime, a sharp contrast to their slower start in the first half.

That scoring burst allowed Drake to take control of the game in the closing minutes.

Bennett Stirtz Delivered a Career Night

When Drake needed someone to take over offensively, Bennett Stirtz answered the call.

Stirtz delivered the best performance of his collegiate career, finishing with 28 points and carrying much of the Bulldogs’ offensive load throughout the game. His scoring came in waves — attacking the rim, knocking down jumpers, and providing the kind of consistent offensive production that kept Drake within striking distance early and ahead late.

Every time Southern Illinois threatened to regain momentum, Stirtz seemed to respond with another bucket.

It was exactly the kind of performance teams need from a go-to scorer in a tournament setting.

Final Minutes Turned Into a Grind

As the clock wound down, the game tightened into a defensive battle.

Southern Illinois had opportunities in the final moments to tie or reclaim the lead, but the Salukis struggled to find a clean look against Drake’s late defensive pressure. The Bulldogs managed the final possessions effectively, forcing tough shots and protecting their slim advantage.

When the final buzzer sounded, Drake had completed the comeback and secured a 67–63 win, advancing deeper into the MVC bracket.

Key Performers

Bennett Stirtz — Drake
28 points, leading the Bulldogs’ comeback effort

Drake Offense
40 second-half points after scoring just 27 in the first half

Southern Illinois
31 first-half points but struggled to keep pace offensively down the stretch

What It Means

For Drake, the win continues a strong tradition of success in Arch Madness. The Bulldogs’ ability to respond after a slow start and dominate the second half shows the type of resilience needed to survive conference tournament play.

Southern Illinois, meanwhile, will be left wondering what might have been. Holding a halftime lead and controlling the tempo early, the Salukis were in position before Drake’s second-half surge changed everything.

That’s the unforgiving nature of March basketball.

Momentum swings fast — and sometimes the only difference between advancing and going home is a single hot stretch.