The Drexel Dragons, led by Victor Panov's impressive all-around performance, secured a 70-61 victory over the Northeastern Huskies, marking their second win in the last 5 games, during which they have averaged 69 points per game, while allowing 76.6 points per contest. Northeastern, on the other hand, has struggled mightily, losing all 5 of their last games, including a 67-94 blowout at the hands of William & Mary, and a 55-69 defeat at Stony Brook, where they were outscored by an average of 13.6 points. In this matchup, Drexel's 29-24 lead at the end of the first period set the tone for the rest of the game, as they managed to maintain a steady advantage throughout, despite Northeastern's 37-point second half. Xavier Abreu's 19 points led the way for Northeastern, but it wasn't enough to overcome Drexel's balanced attack, which saw 3 players score in double figures, including Shane Blakeney, who added 18 points and 7 rebounds.
As the game wore on, it became clear that Drexel's defense was the deciding factor, holding Northeastern to just 24 points in the first period, and limiting them to 37% shooting from the field. This defensive clinic was a far cry from Northeastern's recent trend of allowing 83 points per game over their last 5 contests, during which they have been outscored by an average of 13.6 points. Meanwhile, Drexel's offense, which has averaged 69 points per game over their last 5, continued to click, with Victor Panov's 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists leading the way. With this win, Drexel improves to 14-14 on the season, and moves to 2-3 in their last 5 games, while Northeastern drops to 6-19, and remains winless in their last 5.
Northeastern's Recent Struggles Continue
Victor Panov's stat line doesn't do justice to his impact on the game, as he hit several big shots, including a crucial 3-pointer with just over 5 minutes remaining, which helped to seal the win for Drexel. Meanwhile, Shane Blakeney's 18 points and 7 rebounds were a major factor in Drexel's victory, as he provided a consistent scoring threat throughout the game. On the other hand, Northeastern's Xavier Abreu, who led the team with 19 points, was unable to get much help from his teammates, as only 2 other players scored in double figures, including William Kermoury, who added 14 points, but shot just 3-for-10 from the field.
As the game played out, it became clear that CHD Scout's prediction of a 4.6-point Drexel victory was spot on, and this was due in large part to Drexel's ability to limit Northeastern's scoring opportunities, holding them to just 61 points, well below their average of 69.4 points per game over their last 5 contests.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The key factor that the model correctly accounted for was Drexel's defensive prowess, which has been a strength for the team all season, and was on full display in this game, as they held Northeastern to just 37% shooting from the field, and forced 14 turnovers. This defensive effort, combined with Drexel's balanced offense, which saw 3 players score in double figures, made the difference in the game, and allowed Drexel to secure the 9-point victory.
With this win, Drexel moves to 14-14 on the season, and improves to 2-3 in their last 5 games, while Northeastern drops to 6-19, and remains winless in their last 5. The loss is a significant blow to Northeastern's already slim postseason hopes, as they are now just 1-11 in their last 12 games, and have been outscored by an average of 13.6 points per contest over their last 5. Drexel, on the other hand, is still very much in the mix, and this win could be a crucial factor in their tournament resume, as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
This win is a significant boost to Drexel's tournament picture, as they move to 14-14 on the season, and improve to 2-3 in their last 5 games. With a current NET ranking of 220, Drexel is still on the outside looking in, but this win could help to move them up the rankings, and potentially into the conversation for a tournament bid. Meanwhile, Northeastern's loss is a devastating blow to their already slim postseason hopes, as they are now just 1-11 in their last 12 games, and have a current NET ranking of 274, making it highly unlikely that they will be able to secure a tournament bid.
In the end, Drexel's 70-61 victory over Northeastern was a reflection of their strength and resilience, as they were able to overcome a tough opponent, and secure a crucial win on the road. With this victory, Drexel improves to 14-14 on the season, and moves to 2-3 in their last 5 games, while Northeastern drops to 6-19, and remains winless in their last 5. As the season wears on, it will be interesting to see how these two teams continue to develop, and whether Drexel can build on this momentum to make a push for the tournament.