SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Jalen Quinn scored 20 points to help Drake defeat Northern Arizona 77-71 on Monday.

Quinn shot 7 of 14 from the field and went 5 for 7 from the line for the Bulldogs. Jaehshon Thomas went 7 of 12 from the field to add 15 points. Wilguens Jr. Exacte shot 5 for 12 and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line to finish with 14 points.

The Lumberjacks were led by Zack Davidson, who posted 29 points and nine rebounds. Ryan Abelman added 18 points and seven rebounds, and Arne Osojnik had 10 points and five assists.

Thomas scored 11 points in the first half and Drake went into the break trailing 31-28. Quinn scored 17 points in the second half.

WOMEN

Drake 83, Eastern Illinois 65

CHARLESTON, Ill. — The Drake women’s basketball team opened the season with an 83-65 win over Eastern Illinois, pulling away from the Panthers in the second half.

Drake led 39-34 at the intermission before pouring it on, outscoring the hosts 44-31 after the break.

Abbie Aalsma and Anna Becker both scored 22 points to lead the Bulldogs. Aalsma’s effort marked a new career high while Becker became the first rookie to score 20-plus in a game since Katie Dinnebier’s freshman season.

Grace Knutson (14) and Maggie Taylor (11) also notched career high scoring totals. Taylor also corralled a career-best 16 rebounds as Drake won the battle on the boards 50-26. Ava Hawthorne dished out seven assists.

Drake opens its home slate this weekend when former MVC rival Creighton comes to town. Drake and Creighton will tip off at 4 p.m. in the Knapp Center on Nov. 9.

North Dakota St. 63, UNI 49

CEDAR FALLS — Four players scored 11 points apiece to lead North Dakota State past the Northern Iowa women’s basketball team for a 63-49 victory in Monday’s season-opener inside the McLeod Center.

Molly Lenz, Avery Koenen, Jocelyn Schiller and Karrington Asp each scored 11 points with Koening grabbing 15 rebounds for the double-double for the Bison.

UNI was led by Jenna Twedt, who tallied 14 points in her Panther debut. The Kirkwood Community College and Benton Community graduate added four rebounds for the Panthers.

Taryn Wharton added 10 points, while Elise Jaeger had eight points and eight boards in the UNI loss.