Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011
IOWA CITY, Iowa--The Bulldogs fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes 82-68 Saturday night at Carver Hawkeye Arena. The game was Drake's second this year in the Big Four Series following a November 15 victory over Iowa State.
Box Score | Updated Season Statistics
Sophomore guard Rayvonte Rice (Champaign, Ill.) led the Bulldogs (6-4) with 23 points, matching his career high, and added five rebounds. Junior forward Jordan Clarke (Rockville, Md.) recorded his first career double-double in only 12 minutes of play with 10 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out in the second half.
Drake closed the deficit to 69-60 with 8:58 to play, but could get no closer.
"It was a disappointing loss," Bulldogs head coach Mark Phelps said. "Definitely give Iowa credit in the first half for outscoring us by 14. That made the difference in the game."
Iowa ran out to an early 12-5 lead before Drake went on an 11-4 run to tie the game at 16. The Bulldogs led 21-18 after back-to-back baskets by Junior Aaron Hawley (Rogers, Ark.). The Hawkeyes, however, took control with a barrage of inside baskets and closed the half on a 15-3 run to lead 44-30.
The Bulldogs shot just 37 percent for the half, while the Hawkeyes shot 58 percent, largely due to a 26-12 advantage in points in the paint.
Drake greatly improved both its shooting and rebounding in the second half. The Bulldogs shot 50 percent from the field, 12-24, and outrebounded Iowa 19-11. The difference was Iowa's efficiency from the free-throw line, as the Hawkeyes made 19 of their 24 free throws in the second half.
"We came up with some things and played better in the second half," Phelps said. "Definately give credit to Iowa."
Clarke was a bright spot for the Bulldogs throughout, despite being able to play only 12 minutes on the night due to foul trouble. In his first career double-double he totaled 10 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot. He fouled out with 9:40 left to play in the game.
The Hawkeyes were able to keep the Bulldogs' leading scorers in check for most of the first half. Junior Ben Simons (Cadillac, Mich.) was held scoreless and finished 2-8 from the field for the game, only managing five points. It was the first game this season he did not score in double figures. Rice was held to only four points in the first half but came on with 19 in the second half.
"Ben had been shooting the ball so well," Phelps said, "so I guess he was due for one of these games, but you certainly have to give their defense credit."
Matt Gatens led the Hawkeyes (6-5) with 20 points and 6 rebounds.
The Bulldogs are 1-1 in the Big four series with a match up against Missouri Valley Conference rival Northern Iowa at the Knapp Center on January 7 still to come. Drake's next two games will be at home, against Central Arkansas on December 21 and the conference opener against Indiana State December 28.
