MURRAY, Ky. — Bennett Stirtz’s 23 points helped Drake defeat Murray State 55-45 on Tuesday night and extend its winning streak to nine games.

Stirtz shot 9 of 16 from the field, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 4 from the line for the Bulldogs (21-2, 11-2 Missouri Valley Conference). Tavion Banks added 16 points while going 7 of 10 and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line while they also had five rebounds. Kael Combs went 2 of 4 from the field to finish with six points.

Nick Ellington finished with 10 points for the Racers (11-13, 5-8). Murray State also got 10 points from Kylen Milton. AJ Ferguson also recorded eight points.

Drake took the lead with 15:42 remaining in the first half and did not give it up. Banks led their team in scoring with 12 points in the first half to help put them ahead 32-18 at the break.

These two teams both play Saturday. Drake hosts Indiana State and Murray State visits Valparaiso.

Drake 55, Murray St. 45

DRAKE (21-2) — Abreu 2-3 0-0 4, Manyawu 1-5 1-2 3, Jackson 0-2 0-0 0, Mascari 1-3 0-0 3, Stirtz 9-16 4-4 23, Banks 7-10 2-3 16, Howard 0-0 0-0 0, Combs 2-4 2-2 6. TOTALS 22-43 9-11 55.

MURRAY ST. (11-13) — Ellington 5-5 0-0 10, A.Ferguson 3-5 0-0 8, Harcum 1-9 0-0 2, Milton 2-7 6-6 10, Wood 3-9 0-0 6, Applewhite 2-4 1-2 6, Lindsay 1-2 1-2 3, Morgan 0-0 0-0 0. TOTALS 17-41 8-10 45.

Halftime–Drake 32-18. 3-Point Goals–Drake 2-8 (Mascari 1-3, Stirtz 1-3, Combs 0-2), Murray St. 3-15 (A.Ferguson 2-3, Applewhite 1-2, Milton 0-1, Wood 0-4, Harcum 0-5). Rebounds–Drake 27 (Banks, Howard 5), Murray St. 16 (Ellington, Wood 3). Assists–Drake 10 (Stirtz 4), Murray St. 9 (Wood 4). Total Fouls–Drake 13, Murray St. 11.