In a stunning upset, Drexel Dragons outlasted Towson Tigers 68-62, defying expectations that favored the higher-seeded Towson. The margin of victory was a relatively comfortable six points, though the disparity between the two teams' NET rankings suggested a closer contest was possible. As the No. 216 Dragons took down the No. 182 Tigers, the implications for the seed line and conference standings will be significant.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Dragons holding a 33-27 lead at halftime. They extended their advantage to eight points in the second half, but the Tigers managed to tie the game at 35-35 before ultimately falling short. The final scores of 68-62 for the Dragons and 33-27 and 35-35 for the respective halves suggest a tightly contested battle that came down to the wire.
A 29-point, 10-rebound performance from AJ Dybantsa set the tone for Drexel, showcasing his dominance in the paint. His shooting percentages, 80% from the field and 75% from three, were particularly impressive. Blakeney's ability to score efficiently in crucial situations made him a valuable asset for the Dragons. His 24 points came on 10-of-15 shooting from the field, with three of his four three-point attempts finding the mark.
The freshman standout, Victor Panov, provided a strong supporting effort, grabbing seven rebounds and blocking one shot. His 9-point performance was bolstered by his ability to secure rebounds and defend the paint. Garfield Turner's all-around game was on display, as he scored 16 points to go along with 13 rebounds and one assist. His 8-of-14 performance from the free throw line helped seal the win for the Dragons.
Despite the loss, Jack Doumbia Jr.'s 14 points, coupled with six rebounds, served as a stabilizing force for Towson's offense. His 5-13 shooting from the field, however, left room for improvement, as did his 1-4 mark from beyond the arc. Doumbia Jr.'s ability to contribute on multiple facets of the game, though, was a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing evening for the Tigers.
Tyler Tejada's 13 points, including 5-7 shooting from the free throw line, highlighted his tenacity on the court. His inability to find consistent shooting rhythm from the field, however, hindered his overall impact, as he finished 4-13 from the floor. Meanwhile, Dylan Williamson's 9 points were a notable contribution, but his limited rebounding and assist totals underscored the Tigers' overall struggles to create scoring opportunities.
The supporting casts for both teams largely operated within their established season averages, providing a stable foundation for their respective performances.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
While the pre-game prediction of a 4.3-point Drexel victory was ultimately correct, it's worth noting that the margin of victory was wider than anticipated, with the Dragons emerging victorious by six points. The actual outcome was a testament to Drexel's ability to execute its game plan and limit Towson's opportunities.
Drexel's ability to contain Towson on the glass and at the free-throw line proved to be a decisive factor in the game's outcome. The Dragons' rebounding advantage, which was fueled by their 32.1% OREB rate, allowed them to control the tempo and limit Towson's second-chance opportunities. Meanwhile, Drexel's stingy defense also forced Towson to attempt a higher volume of three-pointers, which the Tigers struggled to convert at a 30.8% clip, a significant drop-off from their season average. These two factors combined to give Drexel a significant edge on the night, ultimately leading to the six-point victory.
For Drexel, this victory moves them into a tie for fourth place in the CAA conference standings, with a crucial advantage being their Quad 1-2 record, which remains unblemished in Quad 1 and two losses in Quad 2. As the CAA tournament approaches, Drexel will look to continue their momentum, with a strong conference performance potentially positioning them for a favorable seed in the tournament.
For Towson, the loss drops them into a tie for fifth place in the CAA conference standings, with a Quad 1 record that still poses a concern. With their NET ranking slightly improved, the Tigers will need to regroup and focus on closing out the regular season strong, but their Quad 1 struggles will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion as the CAA tournament draws near.
Drexel's Quad 1-2 record now stands as a stark contrast to Towson's Quad 1 woes, underscoring the Tigers' uphill battle in the conference tournament.