RENO, NEV. -- The Idaho Vandals (1-5) began with a quick 3-point field goal to open play, but the Drake Bulldogs (4-2) responded with a  9-0 run to set up a frenetic pace in the final of three games at the Nugget Classic in Reno, Nev. That pace would prove to be too much for the Vandals as Drake would ride a big second half to a 17-point win, 83-66.

Drake found itself with a 13-9 lead at the initial media break of the first quarter thanks to cutting layups and sharp shooting from behind the arc. However, Drake struggled to find the bottom of the bucket over the last half of the opening quarter, managing only four points after the media timeout at 4:07 including a pair of free throws from Grace Berg with four seconds to play in the quarter. Drake's defensive effort kept things close as the quarter drew to a close with the Bulldogs leading 17-16.

The second quarter opened with back and forth scoring by both teams as Drake's athleticism was on display. Maddie Peterson's hustle plays created offensive opportunities highlighted by a break away steal for a layup with 5:40 to play to create a seven-point lead for Drake. However, Idaho's sharp shooting from behind the arc kept the game within arm's reach as the Bulldogs possessed a four-point lead at the intermission, 39-35. Grace Berg contributed 10 points in the first half to lead Drake.

Drake opened the second half with two dribble drives on consecutive possessions by Megan Meyer, the first ended with a layup of her own and the second set up a layup for Maggie Bair. Drake continued its fast start to the 3^rd quarter with successive scores by Allie Wooldridge, the first a flushed three from the right wing and the second an and-one layup and free throw, to open up an eleven-point lead.

The Vandals hot shooting cooled in the fourth quarter on 4-17 field goals as the Bulldogs began to pull away. Drake opened up a 16-point lead at the final media timeout and Idaho clearly showed fatigue from the pace of play. Drake cruised over the final minutes to an 83-66 final score.

Drake was led by Berg, who finished with 17 points. Allie Wooldridge also contributed 13 points on 5-8 shooting including two three-pointers. Maddie Peterson added nine points, three rebounds and three steals in 23 minutes of play. The Bulldogs were excellent from the free throw line finishing the day 12-13.

The contest closed out three consecutive wins in as many days for the Bulldogs at the Nugget Classic. Drake will enjoy some much needed rest as they travel back to Iowa before they return to action next Friday, December 3 in the Knapp Center. Tip off vs. the Longwood Lancers is scheduled for 6pm. Tickets are available at draketix.com.