TERRE HAUTE, Ind – Five different Sycamores scored in double-figures and used its highest offensive output of the season to defeat Drake, 90-81, in MVC action at the snowy Hulman Center Sunday afternoon. The win moved Indiana State to back over .500 for the first time since Dec. 3 improving to 7-6 overall and 2-0 in conference action.

Once again, the Sycamores were paced by senior guard Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir who dropped a career-high 26 points along with five rebounds and four assists. She was followed up by junior transfer Chelsea Small who also posted a career day with a double-double on 14 points and 12 rebounds.

The Sycamores scored 90 points for the first time since Feb. 25, 2012 when they scored 93 against Southern Illinois. ISU got 36 of their points off bench play including Small, junior guard Stephanie Wittman who scored 12 and junior forward Lashonda Littleton who chipped in six.

Senior guard Anna Munn and sophomore forward Marina Laramie each dumped in 13 points as Laramie was one rebound shy of a double-double with nine boards on the afternoon.

It was a close battle from the start as five ties and six score change happened throughout the first half with Indiana State down 39-37 at the break.  In all, there were 13 ties and 11 score changes throughout the contest, as ISU handed Drake its second-straight loss.

The Sycamores were able to close the game on a 21-10 run as Drake stayed within five with 1:02 left to play on a Lizzy Wendell three pointer. However, Abdul-Qaadir was able to get fouled and send herself to the free throw line in the bonus to sink two shots and secure a seven point lead.

ISU sank eight crucial free throws within the final minute of play for their second-straight win to open up league action. On the afternoon, they were 22-for-33 from behind the charity stripe (69.7 percent).

Drake (6-7, 0-2 MVC) led by as many as seven in the opening period in part of going 50 percent from the field (13-for-26) and 40 percent (4-for-10) from behind the arc.  The Bulldogs ended the day with the better field goal percentage, shooting 50.9 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the free throw line on the day.

Indiana State was able to limit turnovers on the afternoon, tying a season-low nine while forcing seven steals behind three from Wittman. They also spread the wealth as ISU dished out 15 assists for the second-straight game led by Abdul-Qaadir and Wittman with 4 apiece.

The Sycamores are back in action in one week when they host Illinois State on Jan. 12. Tipoff is set for 2:05 p.m. in the Hulman Center.

For the latest information on the Sycamore Women's Basketball team, make sure to check GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram