Drexel defeats Mount St Marys 75-67
Drexel Edges Mount St Marys in Thrilling Home Victory
The Drexel Dragons cruised to a hard-fought 75-67 win over the visiting Mount St Marys Mountaineers at their home venue, the Daskalakis Athletic Center, on Saturday evening.
Drexel took control of the game from the outset, leading by as many as 18 points in the second half. The Dragons' balanced attack was too much for the Mountaineers to handle, with four players scoring in double figures. Victor Panov led the charge, pouring in 16 points on 2-5 three-point shooting and a stellar 55.6% field goal percentage.
Panov's all-around effort was complemented by seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal, cementing his status as the Dragons' most valuable player. Shane Blakeney chipped in with six assists and 14 points of his own, while also grabbing one rebound.
Meanwhile, Mount St Marys struggled to contain Drexel's offense, allowing their opponents to shoot a respectable 53.0% from the field. Xavier Lipscomb led the Mountaineers with 16 points on 80.0% shooting from the floor, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
The Dragons' strong defensive play was also key in securing the victory. They held the Mountaineers to just 31.9 turnovers per 100 possessions, a significant improvement over their opponents' mark of 38.4. Drexel also outrebounded the Mountaineers 20-9 on the defensive glass.
In contrast, the Mountaineers struggled with their shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. They went 42.0% from three-point range and 43.0% overall, but were unable to keep pace with Drexel's balanced attack.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Dragons, who improve to [insert ranking or standing if provided]. For Mount St Marys, the loss is a tough one on the road, but they'll look to bounce back in their next matchup.