Once again forty minutes was not enough. Drexel defeated LaSalle 65-58 in overtime at Tom Gola Arena. Saturday’s game left both teams with 5-5 records. Three thoughts following the numbers:
Possessions: 70- Extra session naturally added more possessions. Taking that into account this was really a moderately, at best, paced contest.
Offensive Efficiency: Drexel 93, LaSalle 83. Not a glaring performance for Zach Spiker’s Dragons who average a 101 OE on the season. LaSalle averages 97, below the target of 100. On this afternoon Fran Dunphu’s group was far below the triple digit objective.
Three Thoughts:
Rebounding was a difference. Drexel owned the offensive glass with a 35-21 edge in OREB Pct. In raw numbers the visitors held a 17-9 advantage. Giving up offensive boards extends the opposition possession- a formula for defeat in a close contest. LaSalle held a 35-34% edge in field goal percentage. Once again, Drexel’s prowess on the boards more than compensated.
Rokas Jocius gave the Explorers 24 good minutes. Jocius scored 12 points while pulling down 6 rebounds. The 6’10” freshman showed a nice lefty post move while stepping outside to can two three pointers.
Drought. Explorers went on a scoring drought from 2:43 left in regulation until the final minute of overtime. Entering the final 60 seconds Drexel had a six point lead. Not insurmountable yet it felt like 20 given the Explorers; offensive woes.
Coletrane Washington of Drexel led all scorers with 21 points. LaSalle was led by Anwar Gill with 15. Two of Lasalle’s last three games have gone overtime. A week ago the Explorers dropped an OT affair to Penn, another City 6 rival. LaSalle lost their first game at home this season. They are 4-1 at Tom Gola Arena.
