CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Panthers hosted the Bulldogs of Drake University in the McLeod Center on Sunday afternoon. The in-state rivalry ended in dramatic fashion with the Panthers coming out on top 57-54.
The Panthers opened the game hot and maintained the lead throughout the first half. The Panther defense dominated the first half, holding the Bulldogs scoreless for eight straight minutes. Entering halftime the Panthers led 29-23 with 17 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.
The Panthers pushed their lead to eleven before the Bulldogs slowly chipped away to come within one. Up one with 5:40 remaining in the game, both teams stalled with neither team scoring until the Panthers were fouled with five seconds remaining in the game.