Drake Bulldogs Rout Illinois State in Regular Season Home Finale

Drake women's basketball team cruises to 10th league win of the season against rival Illinois State.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Drake University women's basketball team took an early lead and never looked back, routing rival Illinois State 73-55 in their regular season home finale at the Knapp Center. Former Illinois State player Abbie Aalsma led the Bulldogs with 17 points, including 15 in the first half, as Drake jumped out to a big lead in the first quarter and cruised to the victory.

Why it matters

This win helps Drake solidify its position in the conference standings as the regular season winds down. The Bulldogs were looking to avenge an earlier loss to Illinois State earlier this season, and this dominant performance at home will give them momentum heading into the postseason.

The details

Drake got off to a blazing start, taking the lead early in the first quarter and never relinquishing it. The Bulldogs were led by former Illinois State player Abbie Aalsma, who scored 17 points including 15 in the first half to pace the offense. Drake's strong start and balanced scoring attack proved too much for Illinois State to overcome as the Bulldogs cruised to the victory.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
  • Drake took the lead early in the first quarter and never trailed.

The players

Abbie Aalsma

A former Illinois State player who led Drake with 17 points, including 15 in the first half.

Drake University women's basketball team

The home team that cruised to a 73-55 victory over rival Illinois State.

Illinois State

The visiting team that was routed by Drake in the regular season home finale.

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What they’re saying

“We came out with a lot of energy and really set the tone early. It was a great team effort and a big win for us heading into the postseason.”

— Abbie Aalsma

What’s next

Drake will look to carry this momentum into the postseason as they aim to make a deep run in the conference tournament.

The takeaway

Drake's dominant performance at home against a conference rival shows they are a force to be reckoned with as the regular season winds down. The Bulldogs' balanced scoring attack and stifling defense proved too much for Illinois State to handle, giving Drake confidence and positioning heading into the postseason.