NORMAL, Ill. – The Drake University women's basketball team saw its 15-game winning streak against Illinois State – which dated back to 2014 – snapped with a 76-68 defeat on Friday afternoon at Redbird Arena. The loss ended the Bulldogs' five-game winning streak.
 
Both teams felt each other out in a rugged first quarter in which they combined for nearly as many turnovers (10) as field goals (12). Grace Berg buoyed Drake's offense with 7 points on 3-of-5 shooting as the rest of the Bulldogs connected on just 2-of-9 from the floor.
 
The game opened up in the second quarter as the offenses began to click. Drake and Illinois State combined to make nine-straight field goals at one point, with the Bulldogs contributing six baskets in the span. Kierra Collier and Allie Wooldridge each hit from 3-point range to kick-start Drake's offensive charge.
 
Collier (7), Wooldridge (7), Berg (11) and Maddie Monahan (5) teamed up to record 30 of Drake's 35 first-half points, but the Redbirds shot 55.6 percent from the field and took a four-point advantage into halftime.
 
Drake (12-9, 10-4 MVC) could not keep the offensive momentum rolling into the second half as they recorded four turnovers on their first four possessions as part of a scoreless streak that spanned 4:17. Illinois State (11-6, 8-6 MVC) notched eight points during Drake's drought and claimed a 12-point advantage – its largest of the day to that point.
 
The Redbirds closed the quarter on an 11-2 burst as their lead ballooned to 16. Drake showed its mettle by beginning the fourth quarter with a 12-2 run, capped by a Monahan 3-pointer that trimmed the deficit to 64-58 with 4:58 to play.
 
After a 5-0 burst by the Redbirds, Sarah Beth Gueldner and Monahan connected on back-to-back triples. The basket was Gueldner's second 3-pointer of the night, extending her streak of multiple made 3s to nine-straight games. She has made at least one three in 15 consecutive games.
 
It wasn't enough, however, as Illinois State salted the game away at the free-throw line.
 
Berg tied for the game-high with 16 points, and Monahan added 15 points. Wooldridge (11) and Collier (10) rounded out the four Bulldogs in double-figure scoring.
 
Collier and Maggie Bair returned to action after missing four and five games, respectively, due to injury. Bair tallied three points and five rebounds in 11 minutes.
 
The Bulldogs will aim to begin a new streak against Illinois State with a 4 p.m. tipoff Saturday at Redbird Arena. The game will be streamed on ESPN3.