DES MOINES, Iowa — Joshua Robinson scored 13 of his 19 points in the first half and Drake, with members of the school's only Final Four team watching, beat Southern Utah 71-56 on Saturday.
Chaun Brooks, making his first start, added 12 points and four steals for the Bulldogs (3-3), who shut down Southern Utah scoring leader David Palmer.
Palmer was held to 13 points, five below his average. He was just 1-for-4 from 3-point range after tying a school-record with eight 3s in Southern Utah's previous game at Denver. Jeff Martini added 11 points for the Thunderbirds (2-4).
Members of the 1968-69 Drake team that finished third at the Final Four were in town for a reunion and spoke to the Bulldogs before the game. Drake then held Southern Utah to eight first-half baskets and forced 14 turnovers in building a 40-20 lead.
The Bulldogs shot 53.8 percent in the opening half and led by as many as 30 points in the second half.