Drake men’s basketball tops Vanderbilt in Charleston Classic championship game

The Drake men’s basketball team made a statement at the Charleston (SC) Classic.

Bennett Stirtz scored 16 points and dished out 11 assists as the Bulldogs beat Vanderbilt 81-70 on Sunday in the championship game of the event.

Cam Manyawu led Drake with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Mitch Mascari added 17 points. Daniel Abreu scored 15.

First-year coach Ben McCollum has the Bulldogs on the line. Drake is 6-0 with impressive wins over Miami (Fla.), Florida Atlantic and Vanderbilt in Charleston.

The Bulldogs don’t have much size, but they have tons of skill, and their pack-line defense makes things difficult for their opponents.

Drake bounced back from the Commodores 37-20. The Bulldogs shot 54% from the field and held Vanderbilt to 44% shooting.

Vanderbilt, a member of the Southeastern Conference, was 6-0 entering Sunday’s game.

Drake’s next game is Saturday at home against Georgia Southern. Tip-off is scheduled for 17.00 in the Knapp Center.

This article originally appeared on the Des Moines Register: Drake men’s basketball beats Vanderbilt in Charleston Classic final