Stony Brook Seawolves Hold Off Drexel Dragons 72-69 Behind Erik Pratt's 21 Points

The Stony Brook Seawolves held off the Drexel Dragons 72-69 in a closely contested matchup at Stony Brook Arena, with Erik Pratt leading the charge for the home team with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. This win marked the Seawolves' fourth victory in their last six games, as they continue to build momentum with an average of 70.8 points per game over their last five outings. The Dragons, on the other hand, have been inconsistent, averaging 66.8 points per game over their last five, while being outscored by 5.6 points per contest. Despite their recent struggles, Drexel managed to keep the game within reach, thanks in part to Shane Blakeney's 19 points, which accounted for nearly 28% of their total scoring output.

As the game unfolded, it became clear that Stony Brook's ability to balance their scoring attack would be a key factor in their success. With three players scoring in double figures, including Richard Goods' 17 points and Andrej Shoshkikj's 14, the Seawolves were able to maintain a consistent level of offense throughout the game. Meanwhile, Drexel's reliance on Blakeney and Kevon Vanderhorst, who scored 14 points, made it difficult for them to keep pace with the Seawolves' more balanced attack. Over the course of the game, Stony Brook outscored Drexel by 3 points in the first half and by the same margin in the second, demonstrating their ability to maintain a consistent level of performance throughout the contest. With 10 minutes remaining in the game, the Seawolves held a 6-point lead, which they would eventually narrow to 3 points by the final buzzer.

The stat lines for both teams tell only part of the story, as several players made significant contributions that didn't show up in the box score. For example, Erik Pratt's ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line was crucial, as he converted 7 of his 10 attempts from the charity stripe. On the other hand, Drexel's Victor Panov, who scored 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, using his size and strength to outmuscle the Seawolves' big men. As the game wore on, however, Panov's production tailed off, and he was held scoreless in the final 10 minutes of play. This decline in production was mirrored by the rest of the Dragons' team, as they managed to score just 34 points in the second half, compared to 35 in the first.

The CHD Scout's prediction of a 1.1-point Stony Brook victory was remarkably accurate, given the final margin of 3 points.

The model's success can be attributed to its ability to account for the Seawolves' recent trend of outscoring their opponents by an average of 3.4 points per game over their last five contests. Additionally, the model likely took into account Drexel's struggles on the road, where they have been outscored by an average of 6.2 points per game over their last five away from home. By weighing these factors, the model was able to accurately forecast a narrow Stony Brook victory.

As the game came down to the wire, it became clear that the outcome would have real consequences for both teams' tournament prospects. With the win, Stony Brook improved their record to 16-11, while Drexel fell to 13-14. The Seawolves' victory also marked their fourth win in a Quadrant 4 game, which could potentially boost their NET ranking and improve their chances of earning a postseason berth.

The loss, on the other hand, drops Drexel to 3-2 over their last five games, and their NET ranking of 217 may make it difficult for them to earn an at-large bid. However, with several games still remaining on their schedule, the Dragons have the opportunity to improve their resume and make a push for a tournament spot. For Stony Brook, the win is a crucial step in the right direction, as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. With a current NET ranking of 212, the Seawolves are still on the outside looking in, but a strong finish to the season could potentially propel them into the tournament conversation.

In the end, Stony Brook's 72-69 victory over Drexel was a hard-fought win that showcased the Seawolves' ability to perform under pressure. With several key players stepping up to make big plays, Stony Brook was able to outlast the Dragons and earn a crucial victory. As the season enters its final stretch, the Seawolves want to build on this momentum and make a push for a tournament berth. With their recent trend of outscoring opponents by an average of 3.4 points per game, and their ability to balance their scoring attack, Stony Brook is a team to watch in the coming weeks. The Dragons, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a late-season surge and earn a postseason spot. With 13 games already in the loss column, Drexel's margin for error is slim, and they must win at least 5 of their remaining 7 games to have any hope of earning an at-large bid.

HEADLINE: Stony Brook Seawolves Hold Off Drexel Dragons 72-69 Behind Erik Pratt's 21 Points SUBHEADLINE: The win improves Stony Brook's record to 16-11, and they have now outscored their opponents by an average of 3.4 points per game over their last five contests, with 70.8 points per game scored in that stretch.