Drexel Holds Off Northeastern 83-78 Behind Josh Reed's 22 Points

Drexel's Josh Reed stole the show at the Daskalakis Athletic Center, scoring 22 points to propel his team to an 83-78 win over Northeastern. The Dragons' victory was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted a 7.7-point margin, and although the actual difference was slightly narrower at five points, the outcome was never truly in doubt. Reed's performance was the catalyst for Drexel's success, as he consistently found ways to score and create opportunities for his teammates.

The first half was a closely contested affair, with Drexel taking a 33-28 lead into the break. Northeastern's Xavier Abreu was a thorn in the side of the Dragons' defense, scoring 10 of his 19 points in the opening period. However, Reed and his supporting cast, including Shane Blakeney and Garfield Turner, ensured that Drexel maintained a narrow advantage. The Dragons' bench played a crucial role in the win, outscoring their Northeastern counterparts and providing a significant boost to the team's overall performance.

In the second half, Drexel began to pull away, thanks in large part to Reed's continued excellence. The Dragons' guard scored 12 of his 22 points after the break, including several crucial baskets that helped to stem the tide of Northeastern's comeback attempts. Abreu, meanwhile, continued to impress, finishing with 19 points and 7 rebounds, but his efforts were ultimately not enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Dragons.

Northeastern's Luca Soroa Schaller and William Kermoury also made significant contributions, scoring 15 and 14 points, respectively. However, the Huskies were unable to contain Drexel's offense, which shot an impressive 50% from the field in the second half. The Dragons' ability to score from both inside and outside, combined with their stout defense, was too much for Northeastern to handle.

The victory is a significant one for Drexel, as it marks a Quadrant 4 win for the Dragons. While not necessarily a resume-defining triumph, it is an important step in the right direction for a team looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. For Northeastern, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which, although not disastrous, will do little to enhance the Huskies' already slim tournament hopes.

In the end, Drexel's performance, led by Josh Reed's outstanding display, has solidified the Dragons' position as a mid-table team in their conference. The win will undoubtedly provide a confidence boost, and with several key games on the horizon, the Dragons want to build on this momentum and make a push for a higher finish. As for Northeastern, the loss serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done if the Huskies are to turn their season around and make a late surge towards the postseason.