Drake women's basketball ends losing streak, takes down Indiana State

Bulldogs snap five-game skid with 88-70 victory over Sycamores in tense matchup

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Drake women's basketball team snapped a five-game losing streak with an 88-70 victory over Indiana State on Saturday, February 14. The game was marked by physical play, with one player and one fan ejected, and the teams forgoing the traditional postgame handshake line at the recommendation of Indiana State coach Marc Mitchell.

Why it matters

Drake had been struggling, having lost eight games earlier in the season before a brief resurgence at the start of Missouri Valley Conference play. This win helps the Bulldogs get back on track and could provide momentum as they look to finish the season strong.

The details

The game turned tense in the third quarter when Indiana State guard Da'Naria Washington was whistled for two flagrant fouls. After the second foul, Washington had to leave the bench and was walked back to the locker room. Shortly after, Mitchell got angry with a Drake fan sitting courtside, and the fan was briefly questioned by security before being allowed to return. In total, 43 fouls were assessed in the game.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Washington's first flagrant foul came with just under six minutes to play in the third quarter.
  • Washington's second flagrant foul came after she sprinted into a crowd of players, trying to battle on the ground for a loose ball.

The players

Allison Pohlman

The head coach of the Drake women's basketball team.

Marc Mitchell

The head coach of the Indiana State women's basketball team.

Da'Naria Washington

An Indiana State guard who was ejected from the game after being called for two flagrant fouls.

Brooklin Dailey

A Drake player who was assessed a technical foul during the game.

Samiyah Briggs

An Indiana State player who was assessed a technical foul during the game.

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What they’re saying

“I have so much respect for coach Mitchell. I think he's doing a great job. For him to understand, be aware to be able to say that, of course, I'm going to respect his wishes…I think it's the right thing for us to be able to do to diffuse as much as we could. I think it worked out well.”

— Allison Pohlman, Head Coach, Drake Women's Basketball (desmoinesregister.com)

“I don't know what the fan said, but it was offensive enough.”

— Marc Mitchell, Head Coach, Indiana State Women's Basketball (desmoinesregister.com)

“I have nothing but respect for coach Allison. This has nothing to do with her or the Bulldog players. We had to keep our composure through all the bad calls. And we didn't.”

— Marc Mitchell, Head Coach, Indiana State Women's Basketball (desmoinesregister.com)

What’s next

The Missouri Valley Conference will likely review the incident and determine if any further disciplinary action is warranted against the players or coaches involved.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the intense competitiveness and emotions that can arise during a heated conference matchup, with both teams struggling to maintain their composure at times. However, the coaches' mutual respect and decision to forgo the handshake line showed their ability to de-escalate the situation and put sportsmanship first.