SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Interstat) — The Saint Thomas Tommies used a dominant first half to build an insurmountable lead and cruised to a 70-50 victory over the Drake Bulldogs in a nonconference women’s basketball game Saturday at Schoenecker Arena.

The Tommies, improving to 6-6, seized control from the opening tip, outscoring the Bulldogs 43-17 in the first half. Drake’s offensive struggles were profound, managing only 10 points in the first quarter and seven in the second. The Bulldogs shot a frigid 4 of 26 from the field in the opening 20 minutes, including 0 for 7 from three-point range, while committing 11 turnovers.

Saint Thomas, conversely, was efficient and assertive. The Tommies shot 50% from the field in the first quarter, building a 23-10 lead, and extended it with a 20-point second quarter. The backcourt duo of Jada Hood and Alyssa Sand provided the primary offensive thrust throughout the opening half, combining for 24 points by the break.

Drake, which fell to 1-8, showed signs of life after halftime, outscoring Saint Thomas 17-11 in the third quarter and winning the fourth quarter 16-16. A 7-0 run early in the third, capped by a three-pointer from Abbie Aalsma, briefly cut the deficit to 19 points, but the Tommies consistently answered any Bulldog push.

The most important sequence of the game came late in the first quarter, effectively extinguishing Drake’s early hopes. After a sluggish start from both teams, Saint Thomas closed the period on a 14-2 run over the final 3:42. The run featured a three-pointer from Faith Feuerbach, a driving layup from Savannah McGowan, and was punctuated by a deep three from Alyssa Sand with 49 seconds left, giving the Tommies a 22-8 lead. Autumn McCall then drew a foul on a final possession and made one free throw to establish a 23-10 advantage after one quarter. This burst established a tone of defensive pressure and offensive execution that Drake could never overcome.

Jada Hood, a guard from Saint Paul, led all scorers with 22 points, adding eight rebounds and five assists for Saint Thomas. Forward Alyssa Sand of Albany, Minnesota, was a force inside and out, finishing with 17 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals.

For Drake, Grace Knutson scored 16 points, all in the second half, and Abbie Aalsma added 15 points and five rebounds. Maggie Taylor recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, but the Bulldogs were plagued by poor shooting overall, finishing at 29.7% from the field and 20% from three-point range. Drake’s 17 turnovers led to 15 points for Saint Thomas.

Saint Thomas shot 40% from the field and connected on 10 three-pointers. The Tommies also out-assisted Drake 11-6 and recorded 11 steals.

Drake next plays at Indiana State on Wednesday. Saint Thomas hosts Northern Iowa next Sunday.