Drake Women’s Basketball vs. Indiana State: Pink Game & MVC Matchup
Des Moines, Iowa – The Drake Bulldogs women’s basketball team prepares to host Indiana State on , in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup that also serves as the program’s annual “Pink Game” to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Drake, currently holding a 5-8 conference record and 6-17 is looking to build momentum as the season progresses. The Bulldogs have been competitive in recent contests, demonstrating a strength in rebounding and ball distribution that sets them apart within the MVC. They lead the conference in both categories, controlling the boards and consistently finding open teammates.
Head Coach Allison Pohlman is on the cusp of a significant milestone, needing just one more victory to reach 100 career wins. Should she achieve this, Pohlman will become the seventh coach in Drake women’s basketball history to reach that mark, joining a distinguished group including Lisa Bluder, Lisa Stone, and Amy Stephens.
Key players for Drake include Abbie Aalsma, averaging 14.7 points per game, and Anna Becker, contributing 11.1 points per game. Grace Knutson adds another scoring threat with 9.5 points per game. These three players represent a core group driving the Bulldogs’ offensive efforts.
The game against Indiana State carries added significance as Drake’s annual Pink Game. The university is partnering with the John Stoddard Cancer Center at UnityPoint Health to honor those battling cancer and celebrate survivors. Fans attending the game will receive pink t-shirts, and the event will include a recognition of the cancer center’s staff and a halftime ceremony honoring survivors.
Indiana State enters the contest with an 8-16 overall record and a 4-10 mark in conference play. The Sycamores have struggled recently, seeking their first win since a victory over Evansville. Despite their recent struggles, Indiana State remains a closely matched opponent within the MVC standings.
Historically, Drake has dominated the series against Indiana State, holding a 68-24 advantage. The Bulldogs secured a decisive 97-77 win in Terre Haute earlier this season, extending their winning streak against the Sycamores to seven games and maintaining a strong 38-6 record on their home court against this opponent.
Indiana State is led by second-year head coach Marc Mitchell, who has a career record of 271-216 across 17 seasons. However, his tenure with the Sycamores has been challenging, with a 12-44 record thus far.
Tierney Kelsey leads Indiana State in scoring with 14.3 points per game, supported by Clemisha Prackett, who averages 10.0 points and 7.4 rebounds, and Jayci Allen, also averaging 10.0 points per game. These players form the core of the Sycamores’ offensive and defensive strategies.
Looking ahead, Drake will continue its homestand with upcoming games against Valparaiso on and UIC on . These games present opportunities for the Bulldogs to further solidify their position in the Missouri Valley Conference standings.
The matchup against Indiana State represents more than just a conference game; it’s a community event centered around a vital cause. The Pink Game initiative underscores Drake University’s commitment to supporting cancer awareness and providing a platform to honor those affected by the disease. The game at Knapp Center is scheduled for a tip-off, with tickets available starting at $10.
The Missouri Valley Conference standings currently see Murray State leading with an 11-1 record, followed by Belmont at 10-2. Bradley sits at 9-4, while Illinois State and Northern Iowa are both at 8-6. Drake’s position at 5-8 highlights the competitive nature of the conference, where every game carries significant weight in the pursuit of a postseason berth.