Drake women’s basketball loses to UIC on senior day

Des Moines Register

DES MOINES — Drake women’s basketball lost its senior-day showdown against UIC 69-61 on Feb. 22 at Knapp Center.

The Bulldogs dropped to 8-18 overall and 7-9 in the Missouri Valley Conference. Drake got a season-high 15 points from Lexi Carlsen and double-figure scoring from Abbie Aalsma and Brooklin Dailey (11 apiece).

Carlsen, a sophomore who transferred to Drake from Northern Illinois, went 6-for-9 from the field with two 3-pointers in her best game as a Bulldog.

Aalsma and Ava Hawthorne were honored during a senior-day ceremony after the game. Hawthorne finished with five points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal.

The Flames improved to 13-14 overall and 8-8 in the Valley.

Drake Notes

Drake, which had a 2-game winning streak snapped, fell to 8-18 overall including a 7-9 record in the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Bulldogs slipped to 4-10 at home
Drake shot 43.9 percent (25-57) including 51.6 percent (16-31) in the second half
There were five ties and six lead changes in the game.
UIC closed out the game with a 7-0 run to break away from a 62-61 edge.
The Bulldogs missed their last five shots of the game, ending the contest without a basket in the last 2:56.
Trailing 42-30, Drake closed out the third quarter on a 21-5 run with 15 points from reserves Lex Carlsen, Quinn Vice and Grace Knutson who each scored five points in the period to grab a 49-47 lead. Drake also shot 84.6 percent in the third quarter making 11 of 13 shots.
After making 12 three-point baskets in a 78-62 victory at UIC December 29, Drake was limited to six three-point baskets (21 attempts).
Drake made five of nine free throws compared to visiting UIC making 14 of 19 free throws.
Sophomore transfer guard Lexi Carlsen netted a season-high 15 points, bettering her previous high of 13 in the first meeting at UIC December 29.
Senior Abbie Aalsma and sophomore Brooklin Dailey added 11 points apiece.ed Drake with 19 points as the Bulldogs improved to 6-3 when she scores 19 or more points in a game.
Aalsma scored seven points in the first half, while Dailey had nine points in the second half.
Drake, which had a five-game winning streak against the Flames snapped, leads the series against UIC, 11-3,
This was the Flames’ first win in Des Moines since 2023.