DES MOINES, Iowa – Behind a career-high nine assists from Grace Berg and a second-consecutive double-double by Maggie Bair, the Drake University women's basketball team defeated Valparaiso, 77-67, on Friday night at the Knapp Center. Berg added 15 points while Bair tallied game-highs with 16 points (8-of-9 shooting), 10 rebounds and three blocks.
 
The duo started quickly as Berg assisted Bair for three made shots in the first quarter. Berg and Bair formed a formidable combination in high-low action as Berg assisted Bair six times on the night. The Bulldogs (14-10, 12-5 MVC) recorded 25 assists on 30 made baskets and they registered their third-highest field-goal percentage of the season (58.8).
 
Bair also aided in Drake's domination of the glass, where the Bulldogs gained a 41-22 advantage. Valpo (11-11, 7-8 MVC) was limited to 22 rebounds, the second-fewest by a Drake opponent this season. Bair, Berg, Monica Burich and Allie Wooldridge were key in pushing the Bulldogs to a 40-22 gap in points in the paint.
 
Sarah Beth Gueldner provided a spark off the bench for Drake, pouring in 13 points thanks to 3-of-7 shooting from behind the arc. It marks the 11th time in her last 12 outings, Gueldner has knocked down multiple 3-pointers. Gueldner's marksmanship helped enable the Bulldogs to outscore Valpo, 34-8, in bench points.
 
Drake's triumph snaps Valpo's four-game winning streak and improves the Bulldogs to 7-2 at home this season.
 
Drake will celebrate Senior Night for Burich and Mya Mertz when it concludes the regular season with a rematch against Valparaiso on Saturday. Tipoff at the Knapp Center is slated for 3 p.m.